Release Date: 22/08/2008
A unique exhibition of “Outsider Art” is being showcased at Orleans House Gallery from the 30 August.
Titled “Eloquent Obsessions”, it will feature established ‘Old Masters’ Adolf Wolfli, Scottie Wilson, Edward Monsiel and a rare collection of watercolours painted by schizophrenic artist Louis Wain, in the Napsbury asylum during the 1930s.
There are also works by visionary, psychic and spiritual artists.
“Outsider Art” is a term coined by art critic Roger Cardinal which refers to artists who work outside the mainstream who are untouched by prevailing trends and tastes.
The exhibition is a collaboration between Orleans House Gallery and the Henry Boxer Gallery in Richmond.
Cllr Liz Jaeger, Cabinet Member for Youth, Culture and Leisure on Richmond Council, said:
“This promises to be a truly unique exhibition.
“Orleans House Gallery has been extremely successful in championing all kinds of art. This exhibition is an intriguing addition to this tradition and further evidence of the gallery’s willingness to display unusual and inspirational work.”
Roger Cardinal, has given the exhibition his blessing, stating:
“Once more Orleans House Gallery is the venue for an exhibition of artworks produced by Outsiders and Visionaries - non-professional creators whose commitment has nothing to do with becoming a celebrity or making a killing on the art-market.
“”‘Eloquent Obsessions” demonstrates how wonderful images and designs - colourful, complex and compulsive - can arise in unusual circumstances of spiritual devotion, clairvoyance or sheer creative joy. These untaught artists are gifted dreamers who obey their own idiosyncratic impulses and stretch the imagination to its limits.”
“Eloquent Obsessions” will run from 30 August to 19 October. The Gallery is open Tuesdays - Saturdays 1.00-5.30pm, Sundays 2.00-5.30pm. Admission is free.
For more information please contact Mark De Novellis on 020 8831 6000