Robert Wright Oil Painting on Paper Folk Art Composition

Item Details

An oil painting on paper composition by outsider artist Robert Wright (Pennsylvania, 1943-2006), executed April 18, 2005. This panting comes from the Pope series, done in honor of the passing of Pope John Paul IIRendered in primitive forms and plain colors is an arch structure with several figures and red birds. To the top center is a large white bird surrounded by a yellow aura. Signed to the lower right. The work remains unmounted and unframed.

Influenced by his Roman Catholic faith and the Pittsburgh neighborhoods he grew up in, Wright’s painting often highlight the South Side 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 janitor and cut grass. 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.

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Item #

17DCC211-731