Howard Finster (AL/GA, 1916-2001), War of Burning and Fuel of Fire

Lot Details & Additional Photographs

1984, polychrome painted oval wood cutout with applied upholstery buttons wrapping the edge, depicting scenes of war and destruction "War of burning and fuel of fire spoken by isiah [sic]," signed and dated to lower right, additionally inscribed to verso.

14 5/8 x 20 1/4 x 3/4 in.

Private Collection, Chicago and North Carolina

One of America’s most recognized outsider artists, Finster was a preacher for 45 years until 1976, when he experienced a vision and afterward began painting, in bright colors, religious art as well as everyday objects such as Coke bottles. The Rev. Howard Finster was born Dec. 2, 1916, in Valley Head, Alabama, and died Oct. 22, 2001, in Summerville, GA. He worked up album covers for R.E.M., Talking Heads and other bands, appeared on “The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson,” and welcomed a steady stream of people (from regular folks to the famous, such as artist Keith Haring) who made the pilgrimage to his roadside attraction/folk art environment, Paradise Garden.

Some nicks to wood at lower center; otherwise good estate condition.