There comes a time in every trip where the traveler becomes desensitized to the things that he or she has traveled so far to see. Whether it is the exotic animals of Africa or the bright lights of Las Vegas, there is a point in every journey where a wanderer must have a change of pace.
This was such the case on my last visit to Europe. In the first five weeks of my trip I was faced with many of the masters of paint and sculpture from Michelangelo to Monet and everything in between. I was so sick of these stereotypical masterpieces that I was on the verge of avoiding such great collections as the Venus exhibit currently on display in Antwerp and the Dali exhibit in London, both of which are excellent and not to be missed. Then I was saved by the people who I feel are probably most likely to save a man of my nature – I was saved by insane asylum patients, Prison inmates, and mediums.
More directly however I was saved by Jean Dubuffet and his Collection De L’Art Brut. Art Brut being art that he describes as “works executed by those immune to artistic culture in which imitation has no role; in which their creators take all (subjects, materials, transposition, rhythm, style etc.) from their own individuality and not from the base of classical art or stylish trends”.
Since 1945, Dubuffet has combed the world in search of works of art done in this style or by this type of artist. He found other enthusiasts in this quest and soon the collection grew. By the time 1949 had arrived there were over 200 pieces completed by 60 creators. It had also had an opportunity to make an impression on such artists as Coteau, Ponge, and Miro’. In his search he collected some of the most provocative and impressive works that I have ever seen. In 1971, after the collection had been housed in Paris and the United States, Dubuffet decided that the public should be given an opportunity to see these great works of man (or, as claimed by some, supernatural sprits) in a more permanent setting in Switzerland. In 1976 the Château de Beaulieu thrust open its doors toward the city of Lausanne, Switzerland and released a new breed of masterpiece cast in the mind of some of the world’s most creative, natural, and raw artists.
Here the museum goer is invited to see the works of all method. From drawings on gum wrappers and canvas, to sculpture made from tin cans or baked glue. One piece, a 20 square foot wooden carving, was created with only the use of a spoon and part of a chamber pot. To say the least I was overwhelmed by the items housed here. There are objects both beautiful and frightening. Things that are disturbing, yet others that are comforting. It is a playground for the mind and the imagination.
For those who attend this fine collection I can only advise that they arrive with open eyes and open minds for at the Collection De L’Art Brut. They shall be stimulated to the ends of their imagination.
