Robert Wright Folk Art Acrylic Painting, Late 20th Century

Item Details

Robert Wright (Pennsylvania, 1943 – 2006)
Title unknown, inscribed illegibly to verso (abstract portraits), late 20th century
Acrylic painting on Canvasette paper
Signed to the lower right
Work information inscribed to the verso

Born a seventh son of a seventh son, Robert Wright was deeply influenced by his Roman Catholic faith and local Pittsburgh neighborhoods. His paintings often highlight the South Side Pittsburgh slopes, religious motifs, faces and birds. He was a self-taught artist who exhibited at a few local Pittsburgh galleries and the Three Rivers Arts Festival. Diagnosed with schizophrenia, Wright never finished high school and eventually worked as a landscaper and a janitor at a daycare center. His mother, Catherine, fostered his artistic interests and he eventually found success with his work at a social service agency in Oakland. Wright’s work was championed by collector of folk and outsider art Pat McArdle.

Condition

- toning to paper and discoloration to painting; craquelure throughout paint, with flaked paint loss; edge wear to sheet with bent corners.

Dimensions

Item #

ITMG638780