American Folk Art Museum Examines Self-Taught Artists' Self-Representation

The American Folk Art Museum in New York is hosting an exhibition titled Self-Made: A Century of Inventing Artists, which will be on display from April 10 to September 13, 2026. This exhibition marks the first exploration of how artists without formal training have portrayed and defined their identities independently. The concept of the "self-taught artist" in the U.S. is often clouded by assumptions regarding class, race, and mental health, which have obscured the true essence of these creators. Since these artists operated outside traditional art institutions, their works have frequently been viewed through the perspectives of their discoverers and collectors. The exhibition features significant artists from the early 20th century to today, including John Kane, with his piece John Kane and His Wife (c. 1928) showcased from Frank S. Tosto's collection.