2.2 Early collections and exhibitions of Art Brut

Art Brut, coined by Jean Dubuffet in 1945, refers to raw, unrefined art created outside official culture. Post-World War II Europe saw a shift towards valuing marginalized voices and unconventional creativity, challenging established artistic conventions.

Key figures like Dubuffet and André Breton amassed collections and organized exhibitions showcasing works by psychiatric patients and self-taught artists. These early collections and shows, such as "L'Art Brut préféré aux arts culturels" in 1949, challenged art world norms and influenced mainstream artists.

Early Collections and Exhibitions of Art Brut

Historical Context of Art Brut

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  Le Bel costumé (Jean Dubuffet) | Flickr - Photo Sharing! View original

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  Mur avec inscriptions, Jean Dubuffet | Avril 1945 Museum of … | Flickr View original

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  Le Bel costumé (Jean Dubuffet) | Flickr - Photo Sharing! View original

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  Mur avec inscriptions, Jean Dubuffet | Avril 1945 Museum of … | Flickr View original

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• Jean Dubuffet coined "Art Brut" in 1945 referring to raw unrefined art created outside official culture
• Post-World War II artistic climate in Europe rejected traditional values sought new expressive forms
• Art Brut challenged established artistic conventions emphasized authenticity spontaneity
• Cultural shift towards valuing marginalized voices and unconventional creativity

Key Figures in Early Art Brut Collections

• Jean Dubuffet founded Compagnie de l'Art Brut in 1948 amassed personal collection of over 5,000 works
• André Breton connected Surrealism to Art Brut collaborated with Dubuffet on early exhibitions (Foyer de l'Art Brut)
• Dr. Walter Morgenthaler worked with Adolf Wölfli at Waldau Clinic published groundbreaking study on patient's art
• Hans Prinzhorn collected artworks by psychiatric patients at Heidelberg University influenced Expressionist artists

Significant Early Exhibitions

• "L'Art Brut préféré aux arts culturels" (1949) in Paris showcased psychiatric patients and outsider artists' works challenged art world norms
• Exposition internationale du surréalisme (1947) included Art Brut works alongside surrealist pieces blurred boundaries between movements
• "Insania Pingens" (1961) at Kunsthalle Bern focused on psychiatric patients' art raised awareness of institutional creativity

Important Early Collections

• Prinzhorn Collection at Heidelberg University gathered over 5,000 works by psychiatric patients between 1919-1921
• Collection de l'Art Brut in Lausanne founded by Dubuffet in 1976 houses over 70,000 works by self-taught artists
• Musgrave Kinley Outsider Art Collection started in 1970s acquired by Whitworth Art Gallery in Manchester in 2010

Influence of Early Collections on Art World

• Challenged traditional notions of artistic talent training inspired mainstream artists (Picasso, Ernst)
• Raised awareness about artistic abilities of marginalized individuals led to increased recognition
• Contributed to development of Art Brut as recognized movement influenced contemporary outsider art market
• Sparked debates on authenticity creativity in art challenged established aesthetic criteria

Characteristics of Early Art Brut Collections

• Focused on works by psychiatric patients self-taught artists (Adolf Wölfli, Aloïse Corbaz)
• Emphasized raw unmediated creativity often featuring intense personal visions obsessive details
• Diverse materials techniques included found objects unconventional media (Madge Gill's embroideries)
• Lacked adherence to conventional artistic standards ignored traditional perspective color theory
• Explored personal symbolism unique visual languages reflected inner worlds of creators