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Controversial "outsider" artist Clyde Angel's real biography exposed in his new show at Judy Saslow gallery, but does it matter to the work?
Clyde Angel Exposed! Outsider Art at Judy Saslow Gallery
chicagonow.com - 3 weeks ago - 215 views
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People: Clyde Angel | Erik Wennermark | Henry Darger | Lee Godie | Month | Skip | Vernon Clyde Willits
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a few other thoughts about the show (and also James Castle at AIC) here: http://www.erikwennermark.com/?p=133
The Reader had a great story about this Clyde Angel hoax not too long ago: http://www.chicagoreader.com/chicago/the-made-up-life-and-real-death-of-...
It seemed like a great case of someone telling a lie that was just close enough to the truth that it could make sense and not be found out for quite some time.
Oddly enough I love outsider art largely for the history or the artist. It is also one of the few art forms that I have a deep interest in the artist's personal life.
There is a great outsider art gallery in Chicago called Intuit that I recommend everyone to check out at some point.
i'll grant you it can be an appeal for many people, but with my art critical background it's kind of a no-no :)
it'd be the same with literature or anything else, the art (or novel, or movie) should speak for itself and not need to be viewed through a biographical lens. biography can enhance the work, but it should not be the first tool used, according to this line of thinking.
The other artistic medium I really enjoy the history of the artist is writing. I read largely nonfiction or nonfiction inspired novels. I understand where you are coming from, that the art should speak for itself, but in such circumstances as outsider art often exists I feel that the history adds more to the art.
If the work is junk then it is junk regardless of how interesting the artist is. But if the art is good, and the artist is that much more interesting of a character, then the art is just that much better because of it. Outsider art has always felt far more personal to me, that is likely why I enjoy it so much and want to know more about it.
Ka-ching.
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