Nellie Mae Rowe, born on July 4, 1900, in Fayetteville, Georgia, and died on December 13, 1982, was an American self-taught artist. She is known for her vibrant and imaginative artwork, which often incorporated found objects and materials.Rowe began creating art later in life, after the death of her husband. She started by making simple drawings and gradually progressed to creating more complex and intricate works. Her art often featured a wide range of subjects, including animals, people, flowers, and fantastical creatures.Rowe's artistic style was characterized by its whimsical and playful nature. She used a variety of mediums, including drawing, painting, sculpture, and assemblage. She frequently incorporated everyday objects such as tin cans, bottle caps, fabric scraps, and buttons into her artwork, giving them new life and meaning.Her work was deeply personal, reflecting her experiences, memories, and spirituality. She drew inspiration from her rural Southern upbringing, African American folklore, and the natural world around her. Rowe's art often expressed a sense of joy, resilience, and celebration of life.Rowe gained recognition for her artwork in the 1970s when she participated in the Atlanta College of Art's Souls Grown Deep Foundation's exhibition. This exposure brought her work to a wider audience and established her as a significant figure in the world of self-taught and outsider art.Today, Nellie Mae Rowe's art is highly regarded and can be found in the collections of major museums, including the High Museum of Art in Atlanta, Georgia, and the Smithsonian American Art Museum in Washington, D.C. Her creative spirit and unique artistic vision continue to inspire and captivate viewers, highlighting the power of art to transcend traditional boundaries.
Measures 25 x 30.