Synopsis

Selby Warren was one of Australia’s ‘outsider’ painters who, at the age of 80 achieved great success and publicity in the Sydney art scene in the early 1970’s. At that time ‘naive’ or ‘primitive’ artists’ work emerged as the new avant garde of the art scene.

Born in 1887, Selby lived around the mid-western region of New South Wales, working as a prospector, horse breaker, shearer, rabbiter, and timber cutter. Vivid memories of his early life experiences were the basis of whimsical and unconventional paintings, entirely of his own making.

Warren was not only a fabulous painter, he was also a raconteur, musician and singer.

Two young New York based art dealers familiar with the Outsider art market in the US and Europe are enamoured by the richness and freshness of Selby’s paintings, both in terms of content and his uninhibited style.

Having re-discovered his work, they arrange to have a show in New York.

NY magazine art critic, Jerry Saltz takes us on a guided tour, 'the magic carpet, the secret words, the formula that Warren uses that if you attune to it, simply open yourself to it, you will be taken on an incredible journey.’

Following the New York show expressions of interest from Paris and further afield are on the horizon.