What do we mean by Visionary, Outsider and Narrative art?
Visionary Art is art that tends to have a searching or spiritual quality to it. It is often produced in order to communicate with the spiritual realm, or try to understand or explain who we are in relation to the spiritual.
Outsider art usually consists of self-taught artists or people who don’t recognize themselves as artists, yet feel compelled to create elaborate works of art. Often creating intricate installations and sculptures that are incorporated into daily living spaces or sprawl outwards and become part of the wider community.
Narrative art, as it’s name describes, is a style of visual art that has a narrative quality to it. It is often illustrative or has a story arc that emanates through the imagery in the work.
What does that mean for us?
For us, these are just convenient terms we are using to define a broad area of visual art that that defies easy categorization. But, what we are most interested in, is art that has a searching existential quality to it.
Art based on personal mythologies. Art that seeks the spiritual dimension. Art that tells a linear story of who you are, or who your people are. Art that captures your dreams. Art that tries to grasp the non linear aspect, of the multi-layered reality of being alive. Art that has an allegorical quality to it, or deals with archetypes. Art that has a conversation with the surrounding environment.
Or more simply, art that tells a compelling story that resonates in a way that allows the viewer to see their own story, or their own questions, within the context of it.
We do not have any expectations for how your unique style fits into our defined vision but rather want to create a place for artists to explore on their own terms. But, we are committed to supporting Visionary, (Visual) Narrative, and Outsider artists, so please make sure you are familiar with what this means before applying.
Although Narrative, Visionary and Outsider art are all gaining wider recognition in the world today, they are still often overlooked, and the artists who create in these styles usually have fewer exhibition opportunities. As a working artist, it can be discouraging to feel that you don’t have the same exhibition and promotional support that other artists have. Our goal as an art center is to create a space that highlights the beauty and importance of these styles of art. We want to attract artists of all types, who see themselves in our loose description, and give them the freedom to explore.