Nonconformers:
A New History of Self-Taught Artists
By Lisa Slominski, Yale University Press (April 2022)
Synopsis
This new publication traces a global history of self-taught artists, advocating for a nuanced understanding of modern and contemporary art which is often challenged by the establishment.
When the art world has paid attention to makers from outside the cultural establishment, including so-called outsider and self-taught artists, it has generally been within limiting categories. Yet these artists, including many women, people with disabilities, and people of colour, have had a transformative influence on the history of modern art.
Nonconformers includes work by well-known figures such as Henry Darger, Hilma af Klint, and Bill Traylor, and examines how self-taught artists factored into key movements of twentieth-century art. An international group of contributors addresses topics such as the development of l’Art Brut in France and the impact of the Black Folk Art exhibition in America, as well as the creative process of artists working outside of traditional studios.
With contributions by Michael Bonesteel, Mamadou Cisse, Sophia Cosmadopoulos, Tom di Maria, Jo Farb Hernandez, Cheryl Finley, Katherine Jentleson, Phillip March Jones, Sarah Lombardi, John Maizels, William Scott, and George Widener.
Press mentions
“Our Writers Pick the 18 Art Books That They Couldn’t Pt Down in 2022-and You Won’t Be Able to Either”, ArtNet (26 December 2022)
“10 Best Art Books for Summer Reading”, ARTnews (27 July 2022)
Jo Lawson-Tancred. “Lisa Slominski’s Nonconformers: A New History of Self-Taught Artists”, The Brooklyn Rail, Issue June 2022
“Newly Published, from Whitney Houston to Bioluminescent Fish”, The New York Times (28 April 2022)
David D’Arcy, “Nonconformers? Encyclopaedic guidebook attempts to redefine Outsider art”, The Art Newspaper (25 April 2022)
“The A-List: What To Do In London This Week”, Vanity Fair (24 April 2022)
W.A. Demers. “Q&A: Lisa Slominski”, The Antiques and the Arts Weekly (8 March 2022)
.“Spring Awakening: new art books out soon, from African Art and Bernini to self-taught artists and Franz Kafka”, The Art Newspaper (7 January 2022)
Praise
“It’s gripping—the chapter on Lee Godie alone!”—Lena Dunham
“Nonconformers underlines the relevance of self-taught artists, be it aesthetic, spiritual, or practical. It’s a must read for those who wish to expand their knowledge of Art in totality.”—Dr. Joyce J. Scott, visual artist/MacArthur Fellow
“A provocative and meticulous study of over 60 self-taught artists from around the world. Even more importantly, it questions the history, includes essays from global experts, and redefines the entire genre.”—Iain Jackson, University of Liverpool
“An essential addition to any discerning art lover’s collection . . . An informative and important companion for art aficionados, budding curators and total novices alike.”—Vanity Fair London