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COALITION INGENU ARTIST:

Walter Oates, Jr.

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Title: An Artist and Scholar kkkkhhhhhhhhhhhhhhkkkTitle: A Mother & Child in the Form of Clockwork

WALTER OATES, JR.

Characterized by his minimalist use of collage and mixed media, Walters' work is highly intellectual, juxtaposing subtle influences from ancient European and Asian cultures, mythology and heraldry. Words and titles are important elements of Walters' work, helping to establish his artfully composed, sparse and exquisitely balanced style.

Walter became interested in art in the early 70's, about the same time he started hearing voices in his head. He studied art history in high school, and was encouraged by his teachers to become a writer. After high school, he attended the University of Pittsburgh and Bennington College to study English literature. When psychiatric problems forced him to withdraw from school in 1985, he became a drifter and began developing his unique art while still living on the streets.

Walter now lives in a boarding home in North Philadelphia. He works mostly at home, but much of the thought and planning behind his work results from reading dictionaries and reference books at the Philadelphia Free Library. Altered or manipulated photocopies of dictionary illustrations often appear in his compositions.

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Click on artists' name for more images:
VanIse Clay, John Goffigan, Joe Johnson,
David Kime, Ron Lellis, Walter Oates, Jr.