Albert Louden
Albert Louden is the most famous member of the ‘Outsider’ group of painters who draw their inspiration from within - unaffected by outside ideas or any form of art instruction.
He was born in Blackpool in 1943, after his family had been evacuated from London. After the war they returned to the East End, which has remainedLouden’s home. Although he excelled at art in hisearly school years, he did not submit himself to any form of art instruction.
After leaving school in 1958 he worked as a lorry driver for over two decades while he read about art and began drawing and painting.
On June 5, 1981, Louden was discovered by the late Victor Musgrave, who had co-organised the ‘Outsiders’ exhibition at the Hayward Gallery in 1979. This meeting led to the staging of Louden’s epic one-man exhibition at the Serpentine Gallery, London, in 1985. It was a total sell-out. Since then, the Outsider movement has gained momentum, with the establishment of two museums dedicated to Outsider Art: Site de la Creation Franche, Bègles, France and Collection l’Art Brut, Lausanne, Switzerland.
Albert Louden is a totally original artist whose themes defy psychoanalysis though they can be disturbing. His extraordinary images are bold, with a bright palette. He is a keen observer of human nature and he ruthlessly and maybe unconsciously features human failings and weaknesses. But his work exudes a feeling of renewal thanks to his delightful sense of humour which triumphs over the tedium of everyday existence.
Albert Louden remains one of the most extraordinary artists of our time.
