SHOWS THAT MATTER: Exploring Henry Darger's Mysterious Universe at Ricco/Maresca

The mystical landscapes painted by one of the most prolific self-taught artists in history, Henry Darger, are getting a rare showcase atRicco/Maresca Gallery in Chelsea this month. The author and artist of the 15,000-page illustrated masterpiece, widely known as “In the Realms of the Unreal,” not only created colorful and danger-filled quests starring his hermaphroditic heroines the Vivian Girls, but also traced, collaged, and painted wild lands for them to inhabit. The paintings combine his vast knowledge of Civil War battles with ornate fairy tale-like scenarios that demonstrate delicate brushwork as well as an innate sensitivity to line and color.

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