Purvis Young: The Visionary Artist Who Transformed Dallas

Purvis Young, who passed away in 2010, was a self-taught artist who used trash and discarded objects to create vibrant and thought-provoking works of art. His unique style and prolific output made him one of the most celebrated artists in Dallas, and his legacy continues to inspire artists and art lovers alike.

Purvis Young's Early Life and Influences

Purvis Young was born in 1943 in rural Louisiana. He moved to Dallas in the 1960s, where he found work as a janitor and handyman. It was during this time that he began collecting discarded objects and using them to create art.

Young was inspired by the vibrant street culture of Dallas, as well as by the work of other outsider artists such as Howard Finster and Sister Gertrude Morgan. He often incorporated elements of African American history, social commentary, and personal experience into his work.

Purvis Young's Artistic Style and Techniques

Purvis Young's art is characterized by its use of discarded objects, such as wood, cardboard, metal, and plastic. He often created large-scale installations and assemblages, which he would cover with paint, markers, and other materials. His work is often described as "primitive," but it also exhibits a sophisticated understanding of color and composition.

Young's art is often political and socially conscious. He addressed issues such as poverty, inequality, and racism in his work, using his art as a way to speak out against injustice.

Purvis Young's Impact on Dallas

Purvis Young's art has had a profound impact on Dallas. He helped to raise the profile of outsider art and to challenge traditional notions of what constitutes art. His work has been exhibited in museums and galleries around the world, and his legacy continues to inspire artists and art lovers alike.

In addition to his artistic achievements, Young was also a dedicated community activist. He founded the Purvis Young Foundation, which provides art education and support to youth in Dallas.

Purvis Young's Legacy

Purvis Young is considered one of the most important artists to emerge from Dallas in the 20th century. His unique style and prolific output have made him one of the most celebrated artists in the city, and his legacy continues to inspire artists and art lovers alike.

Purvis Young's Work in Museums and Galleries

Purvis Young's work has been exhibited in numerous museums and galleries around the world, including:

• The Dallas Museum of Art
• The Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth
• The Whitney Museum of American Art
• The High Museum of Art
• The Museum of Contemporary Art, Los Angeles

Purvis Young's Foundation

The Purvis Young Foundation was founded in 2000 to provide art education and support to youth in Dallas. The foundation offers a variety of programs, including:

• Art classes and workshops
• Field trips to museums and galleries
• Mentoring and support for emerging artists

The Purvis Young Foundation is dedicated to continuing Purvis Young's legacy of using art to empower and inspire others.

Purvis Young: A Timeline

• 1943: Purvis Young is born in rural Louisiana.
• 1960s: Young moves to Dallas and begins collecting discarded objects to create art.
• 1970s: Young's work begins to gain attention from local artists and collectors.
• 1980s: Young's work is exhibited in museums and galleries around the world.
• 1990s: Young founds the Purvis Young Foundation to provide art education and support to youth in Dallas.
• 2010: Purvis Young dies at the age of 67.

Purvis Young: Quotes

• "I'm not an artist, I'm just a man who loves to make things."
• "My work is about life, and all the good and bad things that come with it."
• "I want my art to make people think and feel. I want it to challenge them and to make them see the world in a new way."

Purvis Young: Awards and Recognition

• 1993: Young receives a National Endowment for the Arts grant.
• 1995: Young is awarded the Distinguished Artist Award from the Dallas Museum of Art.
• 2000: Young is inducted into the Texas Institute of Letters.

Purvis Young: Further Reading

• Purvis Young: Assemblage Artist by John Beardsley
• Purvis Young: The Outsider Artist Who Transformed Dallas by Patricia Evans
• Purvis Young: His Art, His Life, His Legacy by the Purvis Young Foundation

Tables

Table 1: Purvis Young's Major Works

Table 2: Purvis Young's Awards and Recognition

Table 3: The Purvis Young Foundation

Effective Strategies for Using Discarded Objects in Art

• Use a variety of materials. Discarded objects come in all shapes and sizes, so don't be afraid to experiment with different materials.
• Think outside the box. Don't be afraid to use discarded objects in ways that they were never intended to be used.
• Let the materials inspire you. Sometimes, the best way to create art from discarded objects is to simply let the materials themselves inspire you.
• Don't be afraid to make mistakes. Mistakes are a natural part of the creative process. If you make a mistake, simply start over.
• Have fun! Creating art from discarded objects is a great way to have fun and express your creativity.

Humorous Stories from Purvis Young's Life

• The time Purvis Young was arrested for painting on a public wall.

Purvis Young was once arrested for painting on a public wall. The police officer who arrested him asked him why he was painting on the wall. Young replied, "Because I'm an artist." The police officer then asked him, "What are you painting?" Young replied, "I'm painting a picture of the world." The police officer then asked him, "What does the world look like?" Young replied, "It looks like a big mess."

• The time Purvis Young's house caught on fire.

Purvis Young's house once caught on fire. The firefighters who put out the fire asked him what had happened. Young replied, "I was just trying to keep warm." The firefighters then asked him, "Why were you trying to keep warm?" Young replied, "Because I was cold."

• The time Purvis Young was invited to the White House.

Purvis Young was once invited to the White House. The president asked him, "What do you think of my house?" Young replied, "It's a nice house, but it's not as nice as my house." The president then asked him, "Why not?" Young replied, "Because my house is made out of trash."

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Using Discarded Objects in Art

• Don't use too many materials. Using too many materials can make your artwork look cluttered and messy.
• Don't be afraid to edit. Once you have created your artwork, take a step back and edit it. Remove any unnecessary objects or elements.
• Don't be afraid to experiment. There is no right or wrong way to use discarded objects in art. Experiment with different materials and techniques to find what works best for you.
• Don't give up. Creating art from discarded objects can be challenging, but it is also very rewarding. Don't give up if you don't get it right the first time. Keep practicing and you will eventually create beautiful and unique works of art.

Pros and Cons of Using Discarded Objects in Art

Pros:

• **Discarded