Description: A global history of self-taught artists advocating for a nuanced understanding of modern and contemporary art often challenged by the establishment
Review Quotes: "[A] handsomely produced book. . . . A section on the self-taught architecture in grand structures by Sabato "Simon" Rodia, builder of the Watts Tower in Los Angeles, and Nek Chand Saini, creator of the Rock Garden in Chandigarh, India, gives welcome attention to constructed monumental projects that self-taught designers imagine but rarely build."--David D'Arcy, Art Newspaper
"Featuring William Edmondson, Bill Traylor, Aloïse Corbaz and more, this book highlights marginalized artists."--New York Times Book Review "An essential addition to any discerning art lover's collection. . . . An informative and important companion for art aficionados, budding curators and total novices alike."--Vanity Fair London "It's gripping--the chapter on Lee Godie alone!"--Lena Dunham, on Instagram One of ARTnews's 10 Best Art Books for Summer Reading, 2022 "This useful volume is an important entry point to a more inclusive and accessible art world."--Nancy B. Turner, Library Journal "[An] ambitious undertaking . . . that charts a good deal of fresh territory in how art of the self-taught can be productively discussed. . . . Nonconformers affords an accessible, thoughtful, and instructive provocation and synthesis."--B. L. Herman, Choice"Nonconformers underlines the relevance of self-taught artists, be it aesthetic, spiritual, or practical. It's a must read for those who wish to expand their knowledge of Art in totality."--Dr. Joyce J. Scott, visual artist/MacArthur Fellow "A provocative and meticulous study of over 60 self-taught artists from around the world. Even more importantly, it questions the history, includes essays from global experts, and redefines the entire genre."--Iain Jackson, University of Liverpool "The artist Lonnie Holley recently referred to himself as 'self-taught . . . the same way Neil Armstrong might have described himself as a self-taught moon walker.' Lisa Slominski's new book Nonconformers approaches creativity with the same spirit--that the work of artists like Holley and others is expansive and without bounds. It points to a future where these artists lead the way, as they have all along."--Annalise Flynn, independent art historian and curator