The Invention of >Outsider Art<: Experiencing Practices of Othering in Contemporary Art Worlds in the UK

Marion Scherr's book investigates structural inequalities and the myth of the Other in Western art history, challenging one-sided representations of Outsider Artists as otherworldly, raw, and uninfluenced. It reframes their voices and artworks as complex, serious, and meaningful cultural contributions, and challenges their attested Otherness in favor of a more inclusive understanding of art.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 304 pages
Publication date: 15 September 2022
Publisher: Transcript Verlag

Marion Scherr delves into the intricate realm of structural disparities and the pervasive myth of the Other in the rich tapestry of Western art history. Through her meticulous examination, she sheds light on the significant role of Outsider Art in the contemporary art scenes of the UK. By shifting the gaze from the esteemed art world professionals to the artists who are often labeled as Outsider Artists, Scherr endeavors to counteract the one-sided portrayal of these individuals as ethereal, primal, and untouched by external influences. Instead, she presents them as multifaceted individuals who are in constant interplay with their social surroundings, employing a diverse range of strategies to navigate their marginalization.

This captivating book endeavors to redefine the voices and artworks of these Outsider Artists, elevating them to the status of complex, profound, and meaningful cultural contributions. It challenges the very notion of their attested Otherness, advocating for a more inclusive and all-encompassing understanding of art that embraces the diversity and richness of human expression. By exploring the untold stories and artistic endeavors of these marginalized individuals, Scherr offers a profound testament to the power of art to transcend boundaries, challenge norms, and ignite empathy and understanding.

Weight: 542g
Dimension: 156 x 238 x 24 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783837662504