Reflections from the Outside - Germany - January 2006

Handicapped artist Josef Hofer is at the forefront of the Outsider Art movement. He has won the Euward award for his depictions of male eroticism. "Outsiders are artistic people who have some kind of handicap", explains Arnulf Rainer. Hofer s childhood was spent in tragic isolation where he found a creative outlet through his painting. His work is a prime example of L Art Brut. This movement recognises art that arises spontaneously from an individual s creative power rather than being shaped by cultural influences. Crewhouse Media