Outsider Artists Come Inside at Christie’s

The term “outsider art” is used to describe works that do not fit into the conventional art world. These pieces are often created by artists who are mentally ill or outside the mainstream for some other reason. Over the years, the term has grown to include “vernacular” art created by untrained artists. The upcoming Outsider and Vernacular Art auction, offered by Christie’s, highlights this category. One artist with work in the sale is Bill Traylor. Born into slavery, Traylor taught himself to draw as he approached his 75^th birthday. His work was inspired by his life and memories of people, dogs, and livestock, made in paint and pencil on cardboard or scrap material. 

More on the “outsider” flank of the sale is the work of Martín Ramírez, who was institutionalized for catatonic schizophrenia. Some of Ramírez’s work was made with such unusual materials as brown paper bags, mashed potatoes, and saliva. Other artists in the sale include Judith Scott, George Widener, and Thornton Dial. View any of these lots and register to bid by visiting Christie’s. Find continued coverage of outsider art at auction on Auction Daily.