Basil Merrett Celebrates Lincoln for President's Day Art Brut Outsider Artist

I like to post my holiday celebrations a day early, as if I forget I have to wait another year. The perfect President’s Day post is this work by Basil Merrett, one of my favorite Art Brut artists. While confined in a mental institution Mr. Merrett created hundreds of hand drawn tributes in series, in this case the “Famous People” tributes of which this is number 59 - 60. A simple but no less detailed work reflecting on President Lincoln’s humble beginnings. It is now evident that we would be far better off if ALL our presidents came from humble beginnings. I am glad Basil Merrett isn’t around to pay tribute to the current occupant of the office. He doesn’t deserve it. Basil Merrett “Famous People: Abraham Lincoln c. 1950 Collection Jim Linderman / Dull Tool Dim Bulb #artbrut #outsiderart #outsiderartist