Nonconformers: A New History of Self-Taught Artists

This book provides a comprehensive history of self-taught artists who have challenged the art establishment by advocating for a nuanced understanding of modern and contemporary art. It includes work by Henry Darger, Hilma af Klint, and Bill Traylor, and highlights the voices of contemporary practitioners. The book explores how self-taught artists influenced key movements of twentieth-century art and addresses topics such as the development of Black Folk Art and l'Art Brut.

Format: Hardback
Length: 400 pages
Publication date: 22 March 2022
Publisher: Yale University Press

When the art world has paid attention to makers from outside the cultural establishment, including so-called outsider and self-taught artists, it has generally been within limiting categories. Yet these artists, including many women, people with disabilities, and people of color, have had a transformative effect on the history of modern art. Responding to growing interest in these artists, this book offers a nuanced history of their work and how it has been understood from the early twentieth century to the present day.

Nonconformers includes work by Henry Darger, Hilma af Klint, and Bill Traylor alongside that of many other artists who deserve widespread recognition. The book reviews how self-taught artists influenced key movements of twentieth-century art and highlights the voices of contemporary practitioners, offering new interviews with William Scott, Mamadou Cissé, and George Widener. An international group of contributors addresses topics such as the development of the Black Folk Art movement in America and l'Art Brut in France, the creative process of self-taught artists working outside of traditional studios, and the themes of figuration, landscape, and abstraction. Global in scope and with chronological breadth, this alternative narrative is an essential introduction to the genre long known as "Outsider Art."

This book is a valuable addition to any discerning art lovers collection. It provides an informative and important companion for art aficionados, budding curators, and total novices alike. The authors have done an excellent job of exploring the work of self-taught artists and their impact on the art world. The book is well-researched and well-written, making it accessible to a wide audience.

One of the most interesting aspects of the book is its exploration of the ways in which self-taught artists have challenged traditional art hierarchies and stereotypes. These artists have often been marginalized and overlooked by the mainstream art world, but their work has had a profound effect on the history of modern art. The book highlights the contributions of these artists to key movements of twentieth-century art, such as the Surrealist movement, the Abstract Expressionist movement, and the Pop Art movement.

Another notable feature of the book is its focus on the creative process of self-taught artists. The authors provide insight into the unique challenges and opportunities that these artists face, such as limited access to resources and education. They also explore the ways in which self-taught artists have developed their own unique styles and techniques, often drawing on their personal experiences and cultural backgrounds.

The book also includes a wealth of illustrations, including photographs of the artists' work and examples of their sketches and paintings. These illustrations provide a visual representation of the artists' styles and techniques, making it easier for readers to understand their work.

In conclusion, this book is an essential addition to any discerning art lovers collection. It offers a nuanced history of the work of self-taught artists and their impact on the art world. The authors have done an excellent job of exploring the work of these artists and their contributions to key movements of twentieth-century art. The book is well-researched and well-written, making it accessible to a wide audience. I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in art history or the creative process.

Dimension: 27 x 21 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780300260229