The concept of primitive/ naive/ vernacular/ folk art almost removes the idea of the artist being aware of what they’ve created is actual art, as if it’s done by some chance or, in the case of folk art, almost doesn’t deserve to be attributed to a particular creator.
How is being a self-taught artist somehow less than being a traditionally trained? Isn’t it otherwise, a remarkable mark of genius that deserves to be celebrated with even more vigour?
And should we even continue to label art in general? Why does it matter if a piece makes you feel something as a viewer?
Paintings from top to bottom:
Baya Mahieddine (Fatima Haddad) (1931-1998)
Mirka Mora (1928-2018), Moon Story with Angels c.1985
Maud Lewis (1903-1970), Skiing and Sledding Scene