What is art brut, and why is it needed?

Art is a field of experimentation and individual expression, and the art brut movement has become a vivid embodiment of this extraordinary approach.

This style, has its roots in the work of non-professional artists who go beyond traditional artistic norms.

Art Brut is a style where the author's authenticity and self-sufficiency become defining features, and the trend itself breaks out of the standards and provokes discussion and even controversy.

Jean Dubuffet, in his work "The Ordinary Man at Work," describes this style as a category that encompasses a variety of works with such common features as spontaneity, unprofessionalism, and minimal influence of cultural patterns. 

The work of this movement challenges traditional notions of art, expanding its scope and giving a voice to those who usually go unheard.

One of the main advantages of the style is its ability to express the artist's individuality. The absence of frameworks gives free rein to self-expression. Academic rules, styles, and genres do not limit the creativity and self-expression of Art Brut followers.

Their paintings, sculptures and installations are sincere and honest, frank, sometimes frightening, but always making you feel.

It is "raw art" that allows artists to express their unique views and experiences. In addition, style is often associated with the use of non-standard materials and techniques. This can result in original, innovative works that go beyond traditional artistic techniques.

Holger Wencke, one of the artists whose works are presented at the Tangled Gyrus exhibition, used what he found under his feet during his travels to create his works.
Wenke did not look for inspiration in galleries or museums. His muses were abandoned garages, cozy shops, or even the streets of the cities he visited. Where others saw only trash, he found treasures - materials for his unique works. 

Art Brut artists often express their emotions and thoughts without any restrictions. The use of explicit elements in works of this style, such as sexuality or physiological details, can cause controversy and a sense of distance from the viewer. This becomes a reason for criticism, especially in the context of social norms.

Olexander Lyapin is known for his provocative sculptures, installations and paintings, using explicit themes that remain outside the realm of mainstream art. He explores themes of sexuality, gender identity, and corporeality. 

In addition, he promotes the style as an artist and as a researcher, writes scientific papers about this art form, and creates exhibition projects and expositions. 

In particular, Lyapin curated and participated in the exhibition "Entangled Grooves".

His works are not limited by social norms, challenging viewers to think about the complex and ambiguous aspects of human life.

Although Lyapin's works are often controversial, they are an important contribution to Ukrainian contemporary art. 

The specificity of "raw art" often lies in the artist's personal experience, which can leave the work incomprehensible and unpredictable to the viewer. The lack of a clear context sometimes creates a sense of alienation and makes it difficult to understand.

But art brut is not just an art movement. It is a direction that can become a catharsis, a liberation, a new birth for both the author and the observer. In it, the viewer becomes an active participant in the creative process, filling symbolic images with meaning and interpretation. This dialog between the creator and the viewer becomes the key to understanding the works.

Sasha Lunyova, a young artist from Mykolaiv, depicts bizarre creatures that reflect meaningless rituals and conventions that are imprinted in the collective consciousness of society.
She uses the author's technique to work with textiles, giving life to those who live in everyone's subconscious, and everyone, of course, sees in those images something known only to them.  

Art Brut is not just a style, but a whole philosophy, where sincerity and emotionality dominate over rules and frameworks. It does not strive for a pleasant and comfortable perception, its goal is not visual pleasure, but provocation of thoughts and emotions. 

It can shock, frighten, and confuse. However, this is precisely the strength of Art Brut, a trend that challenges stereotypes about people and art, makes you think, feel, and go beyond the usual.

Daria Pozhidayeva,
art critic, 
art manager of the Imagine Point gallery

Photo: Serhiy Mazurash