In 1976, inspired by another visionary experience where a face appeared on his finger and told him to “Paint sacred art”, he abandoned all other work and began to produce paintings using enamel on wood, burlap and metal. Combining images and words to illustrate biblical texts, each painting is a sermon, expressing the message of the Lord. In time, Finster’s art became more complex, his flat graphic imagery accompanied by more detailed intricate elements, as well as his signature evangelical text.

Above: Howard Finster, Cross of Hell, 1982, no. 2312, Arient Family Collection.

His subjects also became increasingly diverse: his later paintings contain references to UFOs and visiting aliens, Elvis Presley, war and politics, as well as countless biblical evocations. Finster worked at a fast pace, producing thousands of works that were each carefully numbered: from the most complex of visionary paintings and painted objects, to small, flat  wooden figures he mass-produced with his family’s help.

Below: Howard Finster, Emages of Visions of Other Worlds Beyond, 1983, Arient Family Collection.

COLLECTION de L’ART BRUT

A milestone as the Collection reaches its fortieth year.

SARAH LOMBARDI

An interview with the director of the Collection de l’Art Brut.

GIL BATLE

After years in prison, Batle carves his experiences on ostrich eggs.

LARRY JOHN PALSSON

Secret art discovered, four years after the artist’s death.

MR TRAIN

New Yorker James Chandler’s detailed obsession with trains.

SCOTTIE WILSON in CANADA

Wilson’s little-reported 13 years in Canada.

LOIC LUCAS

Microscopically detailed drawings by self-taught artist from France.

RAW COLLECTOR 

Hannah Rieger on living with art brut.

RAW STUDIOS

Arts Project Australia in Melbourne.