Wesley Willis Artwork "Dan Ryan Past 51st St Toward 47th", 1986

View Similar Items

20th Century Avantgarde Artwork by Rita Aldrovandi

Artwork Painting 'after' Matisse, circa Early 20th Century

Austrian School Artwork

Henry Moore, (British, 1898-1986) Lithograph

Lee Stoetzel Accidental Tourism 51st Parallel Contemporary Cibachrome 2/8 Framed

Architectural Wide Landscape Artwork

Artwork still life sunflowers

"Space Forms" Pastel Artwork

Unusual Surrealist style artwork

Original Dan Ramirez Graphite Drawing "Celestial City #12"

Renata Zerner "Big Country" Triptych 1986, AP

Abstract Artwork by Miriam Kubach

About the Item

What comes to mind when you hear those two words, Wesley Willis? The song "Rock n Roll McDonald's?" Being anointed by yours truly with the almighty head butt? Or simply sharing a laugh with this kind soul? We've all heard of him, met him or jammed to his music, but if you're lucky--really lucky, you own one of his pieces. No? Well don't miss this incredible opportunity! Willis was born in Chicago, Illinois on May 31, 1963. According to the Los Angeles Times, "Willis grew up in Chicago's projects as one of 10 children of parents who had a violent relationship and separated when he was young. He spent time in several foster homes and was essentially raised by two older brothers, who went with him from home to home." In 1989, Willis began hearing what he called "demons" and was diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia. He was institutionalized for two months after his diagnosis. He often mentioned that his demons were named "Heartbreaker", "Nervewrecker", and "Meansucker". He called his psychotic episodes "hell rides", and alternatively, he declared rock and roll to be "the joy ride music". Willis sold ink pen drawings of the Chicago cityscape on the street. In The Daddy of Rock 'N' Roll, Steve Albini tells an anecdote about how Willis was in one train station drawing a detailed picture of a different train station from memory. These works of outsider art appear on the covers of his albums. Willis toured frequently, was profiled on MTV and was a guest on The Howard Stern Show on September 26, 1996 where he played nearly identical songs about Baba Booey and Howard Stern. On May 22, 2001,Willis released an album titled Full Heavy Metal Jacket. During his tours, Willis became "famous for greeting fans with a headbutt". This left him with a distinctive permanent bruise on his forehead. Rock critic and Okkervil River front man Will Sheff wrote that Willis's "Periodic appearances for crowds of jeering white frat boys evoke an uncomfortable combination of minstrel act and traveling freak show." Conversely, guitarist Scott Anthony, who toured with Willis in 1998, said "It's not frat boys coming to his shows and making fun of him; it's the punk rock kids who appreciate that he sings stuff people are thinking." On August 21, 2003, Willis died due to complications from chronic Myelogenous leukemia in Skokie, Illinois. He was 40 years old. Outsider Art-Wesley Willis, Pen & Marker on poster. Signed "Wesley Willis" and dated 1986 "Dan Ryan Past 51st St Toward 47th" 1986.

Creator:
Wesley Willis (Artist)
Dimensions:
Height: 28 in (71.12 cm)Width: 42 in (106.68 cm)Depth: 0.25 in (6.35 mm)
Materials and Techniques:
Other,Other
Place of Origin:
United States
Period:
1980-1989
Date of Manufacture:
circa 1986
Condition:
Wear consistent with age and use. Corners of pen & marker drawings are lightly worn, but the body of the works are in good vintage condition. This in keeping with the artist behavior. Wesley was known to carry his drawings and art supplies wrapped in plastic with him, around town.
Seller Location:
Chicago, IL
Reference Number:
1stDibs: LU1597215985691

Vintage 1970s Mid-Century Modern Drawings

Materials

Paper

20th Century Avantgarde Artwork by Rita Aldrovandi

$4,071

Artwork Painting 'after' Matisse, circa Early 20th Century

By (after) Henri Matisse

Located in New York, NY

This is a beautiful early 20th century artwork painting study after artist Henri Matisse (French b. Dec. 31 1869 d. Nov. 3 1954.) Female on lounge ch...

Category

Early 20th Century Modern Paintings

Materials

Glass, Wood, Paint, Paper

Artwork Painting 'after' Matisse, circa Early 20th Century

$2,200

Austrian School Artwork

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Charcoal drawing by art student.

Category

Vintage 1960s Austrian Drawings

Materials

Paper

Austrian School Artwork

$1,000

Henry Moore, (British, 1898-1986) Lithograph

By Henry Moore

Located in West Palm Beach, FL

Henry Moore, (British, 1898-1986) Lithograph Girl Writing, 1973, titled in the plate, lithograph, signed, dated in pencil, l.r., Artists Proof, l.l. Plate, 15 by 19.5 in., paper, 21...

Category

20th Century Drawings

Materials

Paper

Henry Moore, (British, 1898-1986) Lithograph

$1,600

Lee Stoetzel Accidental Tourism 51st Parallel Contemporary Cibachrome 2/8 Framed

Located in Keego Harbor, MI

A minimal contemporary cibachrome titled “Accidental Tourism (51st Parallel)” by American artist Lee Stoetzel. Created in 2002. Edition 2/8. Gallery tag on verso from Mixed Green Gal...

Category

Early 2000s American Prints

Materials

Paper

Lee Stoetzel Accidental Tourism 51st Parallel Contemporary Cibachrome 2/8 Framed

$1,000

Architectural Wide Landscape Artwork

Located in Sheffield, MA

Architectural landscape drawing. Top piece of paper has been cut into unique shape. Part of top paper has inch deep tear. Appears to depict a campus. Piece is professionally framed w...

Category

Early 20th Century Decorative Art

Materials

Paper

Architectural Wide Landscape Artwork

$475