In the fascinating exhibition, “Uncommon Objects/Personal Views: The Collections of Rick Ege and John Foster,” found and folk art transport us to a world of underground artists, con men, former slaves, criminals and hobos – drawing us in to a secret world of outsider art. John Foster has been collecting art since 1972, largely driven by his passion for surrounding himself with “objects of great mystery and design.” Foster makes no distinction as to whether an object is anonymous or by a named artist, but instead seeks quality and meaning.
In his own words, Foster tells the story behind “Assortment of 15 Carnival Punks,” one of the most wondrous pieces in the exhibition:
“In the early years before prefabrication and “factory built” things were so commonplace, carnival workers had to make their own game boards, painted penny pitch boards, rings toss and games of chance. Carnival ‘knock-down’ dolls or ‘punks’ as they were often called by the carnys, were no different. These canvas-covered, hand-painted, weighted, and assembled little creatures were often given human names, like several of the ones you see here. Some of my favorite punks are the ones most crudely painted. Most had some sort of furry trim, but that is usually the first part to disappear from age and use.Since 1960, carnival punks are silk screened and manufactured by carnival supply companies.”
These and many other unique objects are view at the Sheldon Art Galleries through January 8, 2011.