Property from a Georgia Private Collector

Description:

Howard Finster (GA, 1916-2001), Mr. Coke, Mixed Media, 1995 , signed center and lower right with dedication to Bill Norton, dated and titled on verso, featuring a large multicolor painted bottle with face, cap reads 'Mr. Coke Top Is High As You Can Go' and label reads 'Big Coke,' with bottle caps and red painted board at base, with carved star above, the border made of Coca Cola crates.

'Reverend Howard Finster, a self proclaimed ÒMan of VisionsÓ, Finster was one of AmericaÕs most widely known and prolific self-taught artists producing over 46,991 pieces of art before his death in 2001. He saw himself as a sacred artist, tirelessly recording his visionary prophesies and providing glimpses of a celestial outer space world that God revealed to him. These visionary journeys were very real for Finster, providing a limitless variety of images for his creative endeavors.Born in rural Alabama in 1916, Finster went on to become a preacher, tent revivalist, and Òmaster of 22 different tradesÓ before building his roadside tribute to inventors the Plant Farm Museum. Later dubbed ÒParadise Garden,Ó this rock and junk encrusted wonderland became the focus of FinsterÕs life work. In 1976, however, this focus shifted. As he was using his fingers to apply paint to a refurbished bicycle, Finster noticed that the paint smudge on the tip of his finger had formed a human face. A voice spoke to him, saying, Òpaint sacred art.Ó Finster began churning out thousands of sermon-laden artworks with subjects ranging from historical characters and popular culture icons like Elvis Presley to evangelistic fantasy landscapes and futuristic cities. Most works are meticulously coated in FinsterÕs own hand-lettered words and Biblical verse.' (Paradise Garden Foundation)

Measurements: Height: 48 in. x Width: 20 1/2 in.

Good condition, general wear to board and crate pieces.

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