Outsider Art: Visionary Worlds and Trauma - Hardcover

An unparalleled exploration of the power of art and the impulse of creation

A timely and comprehensive survey of the powerful impetus behind outsider art, assessing both its development and its future. (John Maizels)

The definitive book about so-called outsider art . . . those seriously interested in the matter will find this study compelling and convincing. Throw away all other books that purport to deal with this business and leave only Outsider Art: Visionary Worlds and Trauma on the shelf. None others needed. (Kenneth Ames)

Lavishly illustrated, many of the images never before seen by the public, this indispensable volume is steeped in details about the lives of outsider and visionary artists. Authoritative, informative, and accessible, this groundbreaking volume is a work of art itself as well as a monumental achievement in scholarship, one that forces us to rethink conventional notions of art and creativity. (Michael Owen Jones)

Daniel Wojcik?s book is a seminal text and a gift to the arts therapy community and those interested in the life-enhancing and transformative qualities of artistic expression. Wojcik?s book is a 'must read' for everyone training to work with the arts in therapy because of its unparalleled breadth and the inspiring variety of illustrations of how art heals persons and communities. Wojcik?s volume is by far one of the most stimulating and informative works that I have read in recent years regarding art and healing. (Shaun McNiff)

By exploring personal histories and traumatic experiences of creative people sometimes living at the fringe of society, Daniel Wojcik brings new insights into the phenomenon of outsider art. This comprehensive study will influence how outsider art is now seen and evaluated; it blurs the boundaries between insiders and outsiders and contributes to our understanding of art today. Engagingly written and wonderfully illustrated--in full color!--this is an essential resource that takes the reader on a mesmerizing and inspiring journey. Where are my paint brushes? (Peter Jan Margry)

Wojcik's new book seems destined to become an essential text for understanding the field today. Outsider Art: Visionary Worlds and Trauma now brings a great deal of clarity and understanding not only to one of the major hotbeds of activity in the international art market, but to the creative act itself. It is a must-read for anyone serious about better understanding this fascinating subject. (Roger Manley)

Wojcik's informed writing?demonstrated by an almost encyclopedic knowledge of self-taught and outsider art and history?his original research, his balanced and nuanced thinking, the representative examples he discusses, and his ability to articulate his findings make this book required reading for anyone interested in outsider, self-taught, or contemporary folk art. (Carol Crown)

Daniel Wojcik is professor of English and Folklore Studies at the University of Oregon. His books include Punk and Neo-Tribal Body Art (published by University Press of Mississippi) and The End of the World as We Know It: Faith, Fatalism, and Apocalypse in America.