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Along with its branch museum, the Renwick Gallery, the Smithsonian American Art Museum in Washington DC is home to one of the largest and most diverse collections of American art in the world. Among its works on exhibit is a treasure trove of art by self-taught artists. The image featured above, “Carnival,” was fashioned with commercial yarn by the award-winning Native American weaver Linda Nez in 1992.

Several more images of artworks in a wide range of media by self-taught artists — captured on my recent visit to SAAM — follow:

The late Iowa-based husband & wife farmhands Clarence and Grace Woolsey, “Untitled,” Bottlecaps, wood and wire

The late Hungarian-American painter and all-around Renaissance man Alex Bogardy, “The Clinic,” ca. 1965-1970, Oil on canvas board

The late — now legendary — Alabama-based African American artist Thornton Dial Sr., “The Beginning of Life in the Yellow Jungle,” 2003, Found objects and spray paint on canvas on wood

Alabama-born multidisciplinary African-American artist Lonnie Holley, “Yielding to the Ancestors While Controlling the Hands of Time,” ca. 1992, Oil on wood and metal

The late Miami-based African American artist Purvis Young, “The Struggle,” 1973-1974, Acrylic on wood

The late New England-based African American artist Ellis Ruley, “Horses and Riders,” Oil on poster board

Note: SAAM is located at 8th and G streets NW in Washington DC and is open Wed–Sun 11:30 a.m.–7 p.m. The Renwick Gallery is located at Pennsylvania Avenue at 17th Street NW and is open Wed–Sun 11:30 a.m.–5:30 p.m.

Photos of artworks by Lois Stavsky

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A leading art fair that introduces art lovers to emerging artists, The Other Art Fair takes place in key cities around the globe. Earlier this month, the Brooklyn EXPO Center was home to this year’s local edition of the fair. Of particular interest to ARTBreakOUT was the booth hosted by the ArTech Collective, a Bronx-based community arts center operated by the nonprofit AHRC New York City. Featured were the works of five distinctly talented artists depicting a range of landscapes. The image featured above was fashioned with markers on paper by self-taught artist William Caballero. Several more artworks that were on on view at The Other Art Fair follow:

Also by William Caballero, “Untitled,” Oil pastel on paper

Cory Tyler, “Garden of Eden,” (#3 in a series) 2021, Felt marker on paper

Djsaniuka Pierre, “The House,” 2013, Acrylic paint on canvas

Nathan Rubenstein, “An Office Building in Midtown Manhattan at Night,” 2018, Marker on paper

Artist Bing Feng with his elegant landscapes

Photos: 1-5 Lois Stavsky; 6 Courtesy ArTech Collective

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On view through December 29 at Fountain House Gallery is “Small Works 2021,” a group exhibition featuring dozens of alluring works in a wide range of styles and media. The image pictured above, Small Works Series #25, was fashioned by the wonderfully creative Zeus Hope. A small sampling of additional works — all priced at $100 and under — that I captured on my recent visit to Fountain House Gallery follow:

Artist and mental health activist Michelle Hammer, “Sharp,” 2020, Digital print on canvas with wood base

Multimedia artist Roger Jones, “14 Karat Gold,” 2021, Acrylic painting

Multidisciplinary artist Boo Lynn Walsh, “That Dude,” 2021, Photograph and watercolor on wood

The hugely inventive Dubblex, “Philosopher Kings,” Spray paint. marker on vinyl

Multidisciplinary artist Susan Spangenberg, “Bastet,” 2021, Mixed media

Noted fiber artist Alyson Vega, “Hang Out to Dry,” 2021, Mixed media on wood

Fountain House Gallery is located at 702 Ninth Avenue at 48th Street and is open Tuesday to Saturday: 12pm-6pm.

Note: Fountain House Gallery and Studio provides an environment where artists living with mental illness can express their creative visions, exhibit their work, and challenge the stigma that surrounds mental illness.

Photos of images: Lois Stavsky

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The facade of the Fashion Institute of Technology — between West 26th and West 28th streets — is once again hosting an eclectic range of beguiling murals fashioned by Illustration BFA students. Ranging from the playful to the poignant to the political, they reflect a range of emotions that have surfaced among us this past year. The image featured above was created by Ana Anderson. A small sampling of these new artworks — Chalk FIT 2021 — follow:

Noelle LiVolsi, Becky Berman & Stephanie Wan

Colleen Kornish & Sarah Haskell

Kevin Ezekiel

Lobna

Abena Mkawasi Nkrumah

Tatiana & Obi Emmanuel Agwam

Melanie Wong with Oscar Yohe

Photos by Lois Stavsky

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With camera in hand, Korean-American photographer and Fountain House Gallery artist Kelly Han has been traveling the world, capturing the unexpected in moving, provocative portraits. Opening this evening at Silks Building in Long Island City is “Portraits of Strength and Resilience,” Kelly’s first solo exhibition. Turning her lens on people who embody the spirit of fortitude in the face of hardships, she has created a stirring visual ode to those among us who embrace life’s challenges. Krishna, the striking image featured above, was captured by Kelly in 2019. Several more portraits on view in “Portraits of Strength and Resilience” follow:

Gold Samba Costume

Balinese Farmer

Young Buddhist Devotee

Tuktuk Driver

The exhibition, sponsored by City Artist Corps Grants and Queens Council on the Arts, opens this evening, October 19, 6-8 pm, at 37–24 24th Street in Long Island City and continues through November 2. Hours are: Monday, Tuesday, Friday, Saturday, 11-7; Thursday, 1-8. Viewing is by appointment only except during tonight’s opening reception.

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Fountain House Gallery recently reopened to the public with “Water,” a visual ode to this vital natural element. Showcasing over 30 distinctly intriguing works in a diverse range of styles and media, it is a cause for celebration. The image featured above, The Beach, was fashioned earlier this year with fabric and fiber layers by the wonderfully talented self-taught artist Alyson Vega. Several more images from the exhibition follow:

Gary Peabody, “MD493,” 2021, Acrylic on canvas

DubbleX, “Water In Many Tongues,” 2021, Acrylic, marker and spray paint

Anthony Newton, “The Hope Float”, 2021, Oil on canvas

Angela Rogers, “Layla the Lobster,” 2019, Wire fiber, beads, string and yarn (top left) and “Aradia,” 2019, Wire fiber and found objects

Susan Spangenberg, “Swami Octopus,” 2021, Acrylic, marker, buttons, and fabric on canvas

Issa Ibrahim, “Wet Dream,” 2012, Acrylic on canvas

Curated by Fountain House Gallery artist Eva Tortora, “Water” continues through August 25 at 702 Ninth Avenue at 48th Street in Manhattan. Gallery hours are Tues.-Sat. 12pm-6pm.

Fountain House Gallery and Studio provides an environment where artists living with mental illness can express their creative visions and exhibit their work.

Photos: Lois Stavsky

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Introducing Self-Taught Colombian Artist J. Malhecho

While exploring the streets of Downtown Manhattan awhile back, I came upon a young man at work fashioning a hugely expressive face on a piece of cardboard that he had salvaged from the curb. Intrigued by his distinctly raw aesthetic and choice of canvas, I was eager to find out more about the artist. He introduced himself as J Malhecho and explained that he had come to NYC from his home on the mountainside of Bogota to spend some time with family members who were living here. I had the opportunity to briefly interview him before he returned home.

When did you first start making art?  And what prompted you to?

I began painting just a few years ago. I was 21. My life had suddenly and unexpectedly changed. As I was crossing a street in Bogota, a car cruising by crashed into me. The accident broke my bones and ribs. I couldn’t move. I couldn’t go anywhere. I felt the need to create something…something I could touch.

Had that accident impacted your life in any other ways?

Yes. I stopped using drugs and I stopped drinking. I feel as though my entire mindset changed.

You are working here on found materials. In fact, you refer to your art as “trash art.”

Yes. I am deeply concerned about the environment. I would much rather recycle something that has been thrown out than spend money on a canvas and further pollute the environment.

I’ve noticed that you paint with your fingers.

Yes, I mostly use only my fingers. I love the texture that it produces. Sometimes I use pencils. But rarely!

Have you any favorite artists?

No one in particular comes to mind. I don’t pay much attention to what other artists are doing.

What about cultural influences?

I’m inspired by the natural world that surrounds me. I grew up and live now among the mountains outside of Bogota. The homeless people in Colombia who recycle boxes to earn some money also influence me.

Is there a central or overall theme that ties your work together?

Yes. I create mythical creatures who protect the ecosystem.

Are you generally satisfied with your work? Is it important to you that others like it?

Yes, I am generally satisfied with it. I make art because I love the process. It isn’t important to me that others like it. But I want them to walk away with a message.

How long do you usually spend on a piece?

It depends. Anywhere from 5 minutes to one month.

Have you exhibited your work?  If so, where?

I’ve taken my work to market places on the streets and on the mountains of Bogota.

What are some of your other interests?

Playing the guitar and working on assorted tasks on the mountains.

What do you see as the artist’s role in society?

Art is an international language. It is my way of sharing my reality with others.  It is my way to communicate and to make people think!

Note: Two of J Malhecho’s paintings will be on exhibit in “Alone / Together: A Visual Meditation on Our Times,” from July 15 – August 29 at the Local New York, 13-02 44th Avenue in Long Island City. Several more of his works can be viewed at the opening reception, Thursday, July 15, 6-9pm.

Interview conducted and edited by Lois Stavsky; photos 1-4 Lois Stavsky in NYC; 5 Courtesy of the artist in Colombia

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I first discovered the late Chinese-Canadian artist Matthew Wong’s distinctly alluring aesthetic at the East Village gallery, KARMA, back in 2018. The rich colors and mesmerizing markings that characterized this self-taught artist’s paintings captivated me.  His current exhibition, Footprints in the Wind, Ink Drawings 2013-2017, on view through September 3 at Cheim & Read, presents 24 ink drawings on rice paper. Though devoid of color, these early works — also largely inspired by the natural world — intrigue with a mysterious, pulsating beauty, as they fuse both Eastern and Western sensibilities. Featured above is “The Performance,” fashioned in 2017 with ink on rice paper. Several more images on view follow:

Snowfall, 2015

Winter, 2016

The Watcher, 2017

Two Flowers, 2016

Untitled, 2015

Located at 547 West 25th Street in the heart of Chelsea’s gallery districy, Cheim & Read is open Tuesday – Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Photos of images by Lois Stavsky

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Outside/Outsider, a fine art exhibition and film festival featuring works by over 20 artists who have experienced mental illness, continues through this Sunday, June 13, at Local Project in Long Island City. Strongly provocative and masterly crafted, the works on view reflect the vast talents and acute sensitivities of these artists. “Each piece clearly shows that living with a mental illness should not bar any of them admittance into the world of being recognized as artists of merit,” states Karen Gormandy, who along with Issa Ibrahim, curated the exhibition.

The triptych featured above, “When I Heard My Name,” was crafted with oil on wood in 2020 by recent Sarah Lawrence College fine arts graduate Evelyn Gardiner. Several more images from the hugely significant and moving exhibition follow:

Budapest, Hungary-born painter and photographer Villo Varga, “Masks,” 2021, Oil on canvas, 20 x 24″

Digital painting master Bryan Michael Greene, “Interpretation of Vincent,” 2020, Aluminum print, 40 x 20″

LIC-based visual artist Jody MacDonald, “The Conjoined Twins,” 2019 Mixed media, 66 x 24 x 24″

Self-taught multidisciplinary artist Susan Spangenberg, “Hung,” 2015, Acrylic, latex on unstretched Sanitest 72 x 48″

Texas-born visual artist Matt Cauley, “The Chill (Self-Portrait),” 2018, Acrylic on canvas 24 x 30”

Organized in conjunction with LIC-A and Local Project in recognition of Mental Health Awareness Month, the exhibition continues through this Sunday, with a film festival– both in person and live streamed — scheduled for this Friday evening, June 11, 7:30pm, at Local Project. Tickets are available for the film festival, that will open with a performance by writer, musician and mental health advocate Neesa Sunar, here. And you can check out the engaging panel discussion, moderated by Issa Ibrahim, that took place on Saturday, May 22, here. Local Project is located at 11-27 44th Road in LIC. Gallery Hours are: Thursday, by appointment and Friday – Sunday, 12 – 6pm.

Photos of artworks by Lois Stavsky

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Working with a wide range of salvaged materials, Yonkers-based, self-taught multidisciplinary artist Michael Cuomo continues to fashion an extraordinary array of assemblages. Among these are his intriguing “Heads of State.” Several from this ongoing series recently made their way to Columbus Park in Yonkers. Featured above is “Hoast,” one of Michael’s pandemic works created this past year. A few more images captured during this impromptu, public pop-up exhibition follow:

Michael Cuomo installs “India,” — originally created in 2018

“Desert Shaman,” 2020

“Faceless,” 2020 — from the pandemic works

Razzel”, 2017

Photos by Lois Stavsky

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