Creating Connections: Self-Taught Artists in the Rosenthal Collection

June 9–October 8, 2023

Works of art connect us. Yet mystery surrounds both our experiences of making them and our encounters with them. 

Drawn from the collection of Richard Rosenthal and his family, this exhibition celebrates a promised gift to the Cincinnati Art Museum and features 38 works by self-taught artists from diverse cultures and circumstances.  

Connected by a desire to communicate through art making—and by astonishing creativity and ingenuity—these artists, most from the 20th century, speak volumes. Their media include drawings, paintings, sculpture, and needlework. Their art materials range from the conventional to creatively repurposed ones like housepaint, cardboard, rocks, bottle caps, cans, even discarded scraps of wood.  

The exhibition features artists recognized by the art world and museums as well as those whose creative output remained obscure or known only to close associates. They include Bill Traylor, Nellie Mae Rowe, Ralph Fasanella, Martín Ramírez, Thornton Dial, Nek Chand, and many others. We feature their works alongside those of French artist Jean Dubuffet, a champion of self-taught art.  

The significant contributions to the Cincinnati Art Museum of Richard “Dick” Rosenthal and his family reflect a commitment to sharing works of art, making art widely accessible, and fostering creativity. Most notably, in 2003, a generous donation from the Rosenthal Family Foundation supported free, daily admission. Since 2011, the Rosenthal Education Center (REC) has provided hands-on art making experiences for drop-in visitors. Recently, Dick and Kitty Rosenthal were honorary chairs of the A New View campaign, which surpassed $65 million in fundraising. It is his hope that the promised bequest of art and this exhibition will gain wider appreciation for the work of self-taught artists and encourage the collecting and donation of their work. 

This exhibition will be accompanied by a fully illustrated catalogue published by the museum in association with D. Giles Ltd.  

Presenting Sponsor