September 14 - October 31, 2020
The term 'Outsider Art' may call to mind a number of concepts, many that have been historically debated. Defined in the strictest sense, it may include only artists who work in extreme isolation, have little to no contact with other artists and art institutions, and who may not even have a concept of their own work as art. Today, with outsider art gaining popularity and recognition, and under the ever-present influence of the internet, the term is often (sometimes controversially) used more broadly: focusing on self-taught artists without requiring its creators to be completely unaware of art at large.
While an exact definition of Outsider Art can be difficult to pin down, one often feels they know it when they see it: inventive work of extreme individuality motivated by the artist’s own personal concepts and desires, rather than the expectations of the mainstream art world. Art Enables embraces these more expansive parameters in “Outside Forces,” presenting work by artists who may not have had many opportunities to exhibit. Featured artists include individuals who are emerging and self-taught, are from traditionally underrepresented communities, and those with disabilities. All have paved their own way in the formation of their work, representing personal experiences and interests in individual styles developed outside the conventions of mainstream art education and culture.
This annual exhibition began in 2006 as a way for DC-area groups working with self-taught artists to exhibit together. Over the last 14 years, the exhibition’s success has seen it grow to feature artists from across the nation alongside our own resident artists. This year's exhibition - taking place solely online due to COVID-19 safety concerns - features 139 artworks by 112 artists, including artists from Art Enables and 12 additional studios/galleries, as well as 22 independent artists.
All Art Enables artwork can be purchased directly through our website. To purchase work by other artists, please contact the artist or studio directly. Please see the full index at the bottom of this page for more information about each artist and studio.
