Book Description

Outsider Art and Folk Art have been gaining increasing attention over the past two decades. They have been described as the 'hidden face of contemporary art'. Once marginalised and seen very much as a minority interest, these forms of art are now the subject of important international exhibitions and even have specially dedicated museums on both sides of the Atlantic. Hidden, secret, or reclusive this art may have been, but today its large international following stands as a testimony to its unique power and individuality. This second and enlarged edition of the Outsider Art Sourcebook is the first international publication to act as a comprehensive guide through this fascinating field. It leads its readers to make their own discoveries, showing where collections and exhibitions of Folk Art and Outsider Art can be found and how to visit the most sensational of the visionary environments ndash; self-built architecture and large scale sculpture gardens. With detailed full page entries on 130 artists and 50 visionary environments, this guide encompasses a full view of the most important areas of a field that still has discoveries to make. Students, scholars and art followers are introduced to the principal theorists of Art Brut, guided through important literature on the subject and given an introduction the most important artists and the most stunning visionary environments. With additional listings of specialist art galleries, museums and collections, publications, organisations and relevant websites, the Outsider Art Sourcebook is essential reading for enthusiasts and beginners alike.