Art Brut: A pure expression of the soul that goes beyond existing concepts of art

In the mid-20th century, a new artistic expression emerged that was not bound by the existing framework of art. It was called "Art Brut" and was a group of works created without any connection to art education or the art world. It was created by people who engaged in creative activities outside the mainstream of art, such as people with mental illnesses or intellectual disabilities, or people who were isolated from society. Their works are expressions of pure impulse and unconsciousness, and have a free and powerful energy that breaks the existing concept of art. In this article, we will explain the characteristics and historical background of Art Brut, representative artists and works, and the influence of Art Brut in the present day. artgraph.jp sells posters that faithfully reproduce the works of Art Brut artists in high-definition giclee prints. Why not decorate your room with the pure expression of the soul that Art Brut emits and experience an emotion that goes beyond the existing framework of art?

What is Art Brut? - Raw Art

Art Brut is a French term meaning "raw art". It was proposed by French painter Jean Dubuffet in 1945. He focused on art created by people who had no formal art education, especially those with mental illness or intellectual disabilities, or those who were isolated from society. Dubuffet believed that their works were free from existing art trends, techniques, and commercialism, and were expressions of pure impulse and the unconscious. Art Brut is also known as outsider art, raw art, or "raw art".

Some of the characteristics of Art Brut are:

• Freedom from existing art: Art Brut artists do not have formal art education and are not bound by existing art trends or techniques. Their works are unique and original, and are characterized by a free expression that does not fit into existing art categories. Adolf Wölfli created huge works while living in a psychiatric hospital, filling the canvas with his own symbols and patterns.
• Expression of the unconscious: Art Brut works are said to reflect the unconscious and inner world of the artists. They express their own impulses and visions without being bound by social norms or artistic conventions. Henry Darger created a fantasy novel, "In the Realm of the Unreal," which is 15,145 pages long, with illustrations. This work offers a glimpse into his unique inner world.
• Diverse materials and techniques: Art Brut artists use a wide variety of materials and techniques, including painting, sculpture, drawing, but also collage, embroidery and assemblage. They freely combine everyday objects, waste materials and found objects to create their works. Ferdinand Cheval spent 33 years working as a postman while creating a huge sculpture made of stone and cement called the "Palace Ideal".
• Strong originality: Art Brut works have strong originality and impact. They create works according to their own inner necessity, without being conscious of the art market or criticism. Therefore, their works emit raw and powerful energy and move the viewer's heart. Yayoi Kusama is internationally acclaimed for her unique style with polka dot motifs. Her works are characterized by obsessive repetition and the use of vivid colors.

The History of Art Brut - Art Beyond Boundaries

Art Brut was proposed by Jean Dubuffet in 1945. He focused on art created by people who had no formal art education, especially those with mental illnesses or intellectual disabilities, or those who were isolated from society. Dubuffet named these works "Art Brut" and began collecting them. In 1948, he established the "Art Brut Collection" in Lausanne, Switzerland, and opened it to the public. Since the 1970s, Art Brut has gradually become recognized in the art world, and exhibitions have been held in museums and galleries. It has also attracted attention in the field of art therapy, and has been used to improve mental health. Art Brut asks us fundamental questions: what is art, what is creativity, and what is human? It is an important art movement that goes beyond existing concepts of art and shows the diversity and potential of human beings.

Artists and works representing Art Brut

There are many great artists in the field of Art Brut, but some of the most famous are Adolf Wölfli, Henri Darger and Ferdinand Cheval.

• Adolf Wölfli: Swiss painter. While living in a psychiatric hospital, he created huge works that filled the canvas with his own unique symbols and patterns. His representative works include the "Bread Series" and "Funeral March."
• Henry Darger: American author and illustrator. He created a 15,145-page fantasy novel, In the Realm of the Unreal, complete with illustrations, which offer a glimpse into his unique inner world.
• Ferdinand Cheval: French postman who spent 33 years creating a gigantic stone and cement sculpture called the "Palace Ideal."

The contemporary influence of Art Brut

Art Brut also has a major influence on contemporary art. Many contemporary artists are inspired by Art Brut artists. Art Brut works are also increasingly being exhibited in museums and galleries, and are becoming more highly regarded in the art market. Art Brut is an important movement that broadens the concept of art and demonstrates the diversity of human creativity. Its influence will continue to grow in the future.

Art Brut Masterpieces on artgraph.jp

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