What is Art Brut?

Art Brut — literally ‘raw art’ — is a term coined by Jean Dubuffet in the 1940s. He was referring to art made by people outside the established art world: the self-taught, outsiders. Art Brut is raw, honest and pure — driven directly by the inner impulse of the maker. In the Netherlands it is a growing area of collecting.

Art Brut in the Netherlands

The Netherlands has a rich tradition of Art Brut and Outsider Art. Norbert de Jong is one of the most active Art Brut artists in the Netherlands. Working from Amsterdam, he has been building an internationally recognised body of work for more than thirty years.

Art Brut versus Outsider Art

Art Brut is Dubuffet’s original French term: strictly outside all cultural influences. Outsider Art is the broader English-language term, also covering self-taught artists who are aware of the art world but operate outside it. Norbert de Jong fits both categories: self-taught, independent, with a visual language entirely his own.

Buy Art Brut in the Netherlands

Browse the selection in the portfolio or explore Buy Outsider Art, Colourful Outsider Art and About Norbert. All works unique, signed, with certificate of authenticity.