I’ve always been drawn to people in art or music who can’t – or won’t fit in. Those who find it necessary to plow their own furrow – to get deeper into their own groove. Often to the detriment of commercial success, recognition or even common sense.
The makers of the unusual, the strange, uncommon artifacts that have their own peculiar magic if you have the patience to see beneath the surface of what might at first glance appear weird, nonsensical or even disturbing.
A slower burn. Not immediately obvious.
Actually, with the advent of AI – I find I’m increasingly opposed to logic in art – the balanced, pleasing, tried and tested images that evaporate from our consciousness as soon as we’ve consumed them.
Where’s the fun in that?
So, off the top of the old head; the people – yes, flawed, inspired, difficult, insightful human beings who couldn’t help but crack on – despite the obstacles which had to be overcome…here’s to you: Vivian Maier, Alfred Wallis, Memphis Minnie, Damo Suzuki, Poly Styrene, Joseph Beuys, Nan Golding, Nandipha Mntambo, Judy Chicago, Yayoi Kusama, Pacita Abad, Henri Rousseau, Lindsay Cooper, Derek Jarman, U-Roy and Maya Deren. Just for starters….you understand!