Background
Janis, Sidney was born on July 8, 1896 in Buffalo. Son of Isaac and Celia (Cohn) Janis.
(This book is a catalog of experiences, a catalog of the l...)
This book is a catalog of experiences, a catalog of the lives of thirty human beings, of fifty-four paintings. Here are stories of how many of the painters were found, of the thrills and experiences of discovery, and episodes revealing the phenomenon of the creative impulse as it grows and thrives in obscurity. The book is a culmination of an interest of long standing, during which the author found and introduced to the public artists like Sullivan, Doriani and Hirshfield. In idea, it is an extension of an exhibition arranged by the author and sponsored by the Advisory Committee of the Museum of Modem Art in 1939. In the selection of the 30 artists represented in this book, the work of more than 500 self-taught painters in America was examined. It is the characteristic independence of school or tradition which distinguishes these painters. Their independence and isolation is revealed not only in their art but in their biographies so interestingly presented in this book. All 54 paintings reproduced are discussed in detail, and in these analyses the author tried to establish a direct and immediate contact between the reader and the pictures, refraining from subjective criticism and obscure generalizations, rather discussing in simple terms the specific qualities that give each painting its individual character. The sources of biographical information used here, unless otherwise indicated, are the painters themselves, who provided significant material in great detail to the author. The author visited most of these painters over a period of years, and conducted a voluminous correspondence with most of them, and the book includes quotations from this invaluable source -- the artists' own words. There is something about the method and spirit of this book which seems peculiarly in harmony with its self-taught subjects -- Sidney Janis brought to his work a painstaking conscientiousness and a warm enthusiasm which evokes at times the artists whose paintings he so admired.
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Janis, Sidney was born on July 8, 1896 in Buffalo. Son of Isaac and Celia (Cohn) Janis.
Student public, technical and aeronautical schools.
Engaged in manufacturing,, 1924-1939; collector modern art,, 1925-1989; owner, Sidney Janis Gallery, New York City, 1948-1989. Member of advisory committee Museum Modern Art, New York City, 1933-1948, honorary trustee, 1983-1989. Member art panel Internal Revenue Service, Washington, 1975-1976.
(This book is a catalog of experiences, a catalog of the l...)
(Art, Modern Art)
Married Harriet Grossman, September 2, 1925. Children: Conrad, Carroll.