For the contextual studies class, we have been asked to produce a proposal for the basis of our final written paper and clearly identify our chosen topic. Where topic was concerned, the possibilites were endless but I wanted to maintain an element of art, as well as exploring different factors of human behaviour within art and how this can sometimes affect the art produced. Through this thought process, I came to 'Outsider Art'. This topic interests me at a personal level, as well as promising enough depth to enthusiastically write a paper on in relation to it. The subject of Outsider Art also provided me with a learning curve as I know enough about the subject to have an opinion on it, but there is definately a lot of potential in the topic in order to gain a deeper understanding and expose the differences in outsider art to that of a trained professional.
Art Brut’ - Outsider Art Proposal
I intend to investigate into the intentions of outsider artists and where the term originated from in an attempt to decipher between art made for an audience, and those who create art in its purest form, through self-expression with no objectives. Outsider artists are seen to be people with no artistic background, self-taught individuals who create art through raw creative impulses with no real intent or reasoning and often go unnoticed in the strenuous environment that the art industry have created. Their art is not influenced by society, nor affected by the reflection of an audience, and exists merely as an expression of themselves. Outsider art challenges modern culture and are often described as having little or no art ethics; a vast divergence from those who have experience in art schools, art galleries and exhibitions.
I want to explore the depths of ‘Art Brut’ as it is originally known, and those who produce art for no one else apart from themselves, who have no cultural awareness of the creativity they are capable of producing, nor the individuality they are unconsciously nurturing. In an attempt to highlight the dissimilarity of outsider artists and those who have a recognised artistic background, I will study the working methods of contemporary artists of today who work solely for commissions and exhibitions of their work, with every intention of a vast audience embracing their work and appreciating their creative abilities.
The individuals who are seen to be ‘outsider artists’ are known for not classing their expressionistic compulsions as art at all, nor would they brand themselves as artists. The earliest form of ‘Art Brut’ tended to exist from those people institutionalised, with no understanding of art and deprived of any cultural influences. The worries created by competition which often rule any modern day artwork are non-existent to those labelled as ‘outsider artists’ and this could be seen to drive their work into a whole level. The idea of comparing those deemed as having no cultural influences to those whose entire artwork is driven on the thought of an ‘opposition’ and the idea of being ‘recognised’ for their efforts will be seen to drive the essay.
Fundamentally, I intend to expose the thoughts and lack of intentions between those who considered as outsider artists, and the contemporary artist of today who is deemed to be motivated through appreciation of their artwork from the audience of the art culture today. A comparison of the diversity of objectives will emphasize the ‘raw’ vision that encompasses an outsider artist to that of an artist driven by their audience. I aim to uncover the main differences between a conventional artist and an outsider artist, whether it be through contrast in terms of mentality, or the difference in the finished artworks. Does the artwork of outsider artists really ever finish? And can the artwork of an outsider artist be recognised if put alongside the artwork of a modern day practicing artist? The ability to express ‘freely’ may result in the artwork to have a distinctive peculiarity surrounding it and these are the questions I hope to delve into in an attempt to study the artwork that often goes uncharted in society.
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'There's a lot of potential here. Think about whether art is about the 'doing' or 'being' of the artist, how this relates to authorship and what the notion of 'outside' says about 'normal' behaviour.'
Alongside this, a book was enclosed left with instructions to read chapter 8 which I have done so and taken notes of. My findings will be explored in my next blog! ...
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