Summerville or Pennville, Georgia. 1989. Acrylic on wood panel. Edgy portrait of an irreverent young "George Washington". The bright red jacket is covered in religious inscriptions and imaginative decorations including lighthouses, a church, and several small buildings. George himself dominates the piece with a skin-coloured face and overly large red lips, staring eyes, and a mop of jet-black hair. In jest or derision, his left ear is wonky. Signed, "Howard Finster" on front. Signed and dated, "May 25, 1989" on reverse. 23" x 15". From the Marty Osler Collection. Howard Finster (1916-2001) was an American artist from Georgia. He began as a pastor at age 16, and claimed to have spiritual visions and connections with God. In 1961, he purchased four acres of land in Pennville, Georgia and began constructing his 'Plant Farm Museum' - a folk art sculpture garden which grew to over 46,000 pieces of art. His goal was to showcase all of the "wonderful things o' God's Creation, kinda like the Garden of Eden". In addition to his sculptures, Finster painted thousands of works, with a diverse range of subjects including pop culture icons, politicians and religious images. He began to garner attention for his work in 1975, and was commissioned by bands such as R.E.M. and Talking Heads for album covers. Finster's work has been featured in museums across North America, including the Smithsonian American Art Museum.

Very good condition.