Recking the Building

Kevin over at the Candler Arts blog posted a fine drawing by one of the great Southern self-taught artists, Dilmus Hall of Athens, Georgia. It illustrates the Bible story of Samson destroying a huge temple, several thousand Philistines and himself in one great burst of vengeance. Seeing that version made me dig around and find another version of the same subject, titled Sampson Recking the Building. For some reason I remembered the title as "Rocking the Building." I like both. A lot of self-taught artists made variations on a theme, but you rarely get to see them side-by-side. I notice that in Kevin's version, Samson's face is showing, he is much more muscular, and is barefoot. In the one here, his face is hidden and he's wearing dress shoes. The radiant energy of Samson's strength is much the same in both.

Dilmus Hall Decorated Frame and Photo

Mr. Dilmus Hall of Athens, GA remains among the most under appreciated of all the American self-taught artists. His sculpture and drawings are a delight for all those fortunate enough to have experienced them. He also made yard art installations surrounding of his modest cinder block house, including the - for this viewer - seminal "Shoe that Rode the Howling Tornado," a single high heel shoe presented in a vitrine made of a salvaged aquarium, installed above his mailbox.

This Polaroid photograph of his friend is housed in a paint-decorated frame and cover glass.