1.2 Historical context and evolution of the term

Outsider Art emerged in the 1970s, rooted in earlier concepts like Art Brut and psychotic art. It focused on works by self-taught artists and psychiatric patients, valuing raw creativity outside mainstream influences. Key figures like Jean Dubuffet and Hans Prinzhorn shaped its development.

Over time, Outsider Art's definition expanded to include folk and visionary artists. Cultural shifts like deinstitutionalization and counterculture movements increased its visibility. Today, it's gained recognition in museums, academic studies, and the art market, sparking debates about authenticity and inclusivity.

Historical Context of Outsider Art

Trace the origins and development of the term "Outsider Art"

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• Coined by art critic Roger Cardinal in 1972 translated French "Art Brut" to English
• Art Brut introduced by Jean Dubuffet in 1940s described art created outside mainstream cultural influences (psychiatric patients, self-taught artists)
• Earlier related concepts emerged late 19th century "primitive art" referred to non-Western traditional art and early 20th century "psychotic art" focused on works by mentally ill individuals

Identify key figures and events that shaped the concept of Outsider Art

• Jean Dubuffet collected works by psychiatric patients and self-taught artists established Collection de l'Art Brut in Lausanne, Switzerland (1976)
• Hans Prinzhorn published "Artistry of the Mentally Ill" (1922) analyzed art created by psychiatric patients influenced Surrealists and Expressionists
• Walter Morgenthaler wrote about Adolf Wölfli in "A Mentally Ill Patient as Artist" (1921) first in-depth study of a single "outsider" artist
• Outsider Art Fair established in New York City (1993) helped popularize and commercialize Outsider Art expanded to Paris (2013)

Evolution of Outsider Art

Explain how the definition of Outsider Art has changed over time

• Initial focus on art by psychiatric patients and self-taught individuals emphasized raw creativity and lack of formal training
• Expansion to include folk artists (Grandma Moses), visionary artists (Howard Finster), and spiritualist mediums (Hilma af Klint)
• Debates over inclusion of trained artists who work outside mainstream questioned authenticity and "outsider" status
• Increased recognition in mainstream art world:
  1. Museum exhibitions (Venice Biennale 2013)
  2. Academic studies (Raw Vision journal)
  3. Art market interest (Christie's "Outsider and Vernacular Art" auctions)

Discuss the impact of cultural and social changes on Outsider Art

• Deinstitutionalization movement in mental health 1960s-1970s increased visibility of art by psychiatric patients led to programs like Creative Growth Art Center (Oakland)
• Rise of counterculture in 1960s and 1970s sparked greater interest in alternative artistic expressions embraced outsider aesthetics
• Globalization and internet age facilitated discovery of Outsider Artists from diverse cultures (Nek Chand, India) created online platforms for sharing and selling Outsider Art (Outsider Art World)
• Changing attitudes towards disability and neurodiversity prompted reevaluation of art by individuals with different cognitive experiences recognized unique perspectives and creative processes