These are Visual Artworks as productions by way of being rigorously created in a collective series l

These are Visual Artworks as productions by way of being rigorously created in a collective series l
All artwork on this blog is Copyright 2023 Turtel Onli , and other dates. All Rights Protected & not to be remixed, rebooted or used commercially without a signed agreement with Prof. Onli. The smaller images on the right are links to reels or related websites.

Wednesday, November 9, 2016


Below photo, showing  his dynamic Rhythmistic fine art canvas original and Graphic Novels published by ONLI STUDIOS during a retrospective exhibition on the "Black Age of Comics" Movement in Chicago at the historic, classic WPA era launched, South Side Community Art Center.  

This innovative growing indie genre in graphic novels and comic books was launched by Onli at the South Side Community Art Center in February 1993.  It now boasts annual events in Chicago, Atlanta, Detroit, New York, and Philadelphia.

Monday, September 26, 2016


"My growing "No Evils' collection recontextualizes, in a Rhythmistic future-primitif dynamic, the classic Chinese proverb of, "Hear No Evils, Seek No Evils, and Speak No Evils." These are mostly painted on canvas expressions. I think that using baldness removes personal vanity from the state and its interpretations. The message is universal and timeless. The visual impact of the art is narrative and bold. I have been growing and showing this body of work since 1988 when I was earning my Masters In Art And Art Therapy at the prestigious School of the Art Institute of Chicago.

This is a collection of art from a Black artist whose narrative is beyond the typical limits of social issues. It is enlightened as it explores this link in morals, spirituality, faiths, and the metaphysical.  It suggests the possibilities of Rhythmism as a genre."




Rhythmistic Art Exhibition Submission draft:

"A full proposal, comprising my artist’s statement, exhibition description, with dimensions and special handling or display requirements, sample images, and, most importantly, statement of relevance to your operation's mission will be sent to your curator or exhibition's director upon request.

  Per the submission preference of the request this detailed information may be sent via email or as a stamped, self-addressed envelope."


Sincerely,

Prof. Turtel Onli, M.A.A.T.
Email: onli@sbcglobal.net







"My practice has always been and advancing nexus of creativity, CULTURE, & Commerce."
 "I recently was lucky enough to received the gift of this ever-cool t-shirt to place a brand to the core of my practice. Those background items are a bit of my Rhythmistic fine art."
 "Clearly I feel a kindredness here."

Thursday, September 15, 2016

                               RHYTHMISTIC MANIFESTO 1978 - 2016 

Prof. Onli M.A.A.T. 

The Logic                               The Value                             The Expectations

Rhythmism is a fertile visual art modality that is based on the principle of repetition in the visual domain along with a narrative that is suggestive or derived from a universal future-primitif perspective. Be it fine art, architecture, fashion, illustration, drawing, movies, toys, or digital applications. Rhythmism is a growing genre. Onli first introduced the term in 1978 in a solo exhibition in Paris France at the Foyer Internationale de Accueil.

The showcase was entitled, “Presenting My Rhythm”.  It was included on a culture destination tour and was visited by hundreds of tourists during its full month run.  Here Onli was able to explore with visitors from Asia, South American, Europe, African and other countries his emerging practice. He has made this intelligent creative approach a key factor in his creative career practices in fine and commercial art.  Many have used the term or manifested the distinctly opulent aspects of this genre. Onli did not invent it; he simply gave it a name.  Rhythmism! It responds to personal, fine, commercial or industrial demands. It is both esthetic and expressive.

Now comes the task of institutionalizing Rhythmism.


                               RHYTHMISTIC MANIFESTO 1978 - 2016 

Prof. Onli M.A.A.T. 

The Logic                               The Value                             The Expectations

Rhythmism is a fertile visual art modality that is based on the principle of repetition in the visual domain along with a narrative that is suggestive or derived from a universal future-primitif perspective. Be it fine art, architecture, fashion, illustration, drawing, movies, toys, or digital applications. Rhythmism is a growing genre. Onli first introduced the term in 1978 in a solo exhibition in Paris France at the Foyer Internationale de Accueil.

The showcase was entitled, “Presenting My Rhythm”.  It was included on a culture destination tour and was visited by hundreds of tourists during its full month run.  Here Onli was able to explore with visitors from Asia, South American, Europe, African and other countries his emerging practice. He has made this intelligent creative approach a key factor in his creative career practices in fine and commercial art.  Many have used the term or manifested the distinctly opulent aspects of this genre. Onli did not invent it; he simply gave it a name.  Rhythmism! It responds to personal, fine, commercial or industrial demands. It is both esthetic and expressive.

Now comes the task of institutionalizing Rhythmism.


Monday, August 29, 2016

Prof. Onli recently joined the Southern Shore Art Association in the booming arts District in Michigan City where Artspace and others have opened up so much real potential in this city.

Sunday, July 17, 2016

CHICAGO - Rhythmism is a future-primitif genre of visual narrative art that Prof. Onli pioneered in the 1970s to manifest aspects of our collective genetic memories as source material and visual expressiveness. It has been used by major market publications and alternative galleries via ONLI STUDIOS' practices along with being influential to young emerging illustrators and artists. Prof. Onli was also a certified public school arts educator in Chicago and now continues to share drawing methods and insights at the Harold Washington College in Chicago. His Studio Drawing And Art Appreciation classes are very popular offerings.

The years of impacting others through formal education, professional mentoring and published works makes this a movement with understated sustainable power.






Thursday, June 9, 2016

Recently Prof. was asked to name a few of his favorite visual artist. The interviewer was surprised to hear the name of Winslow Homer in the response.Onli then presented an "art-book" he created almost a decade earlier as an homage to Homer. Homer worked as an illustrator then later evolved into an iconic American master painter noted for his seascapes along with images of American life after the Civil War.



Friday, June 3, 2016

Rhythmistic Art and Prints

Long time Hyde Park based Rhythmistic visual artist Turtel Onli is returning to the Great Frame Up for the gallery's “Artist of the Month” program. This body of work will feature Onli’s treatments of pop iconic musicians such as his 1974 Bowie for Playboy's OUI Magazine and his Jimi future-Primitif, and Prince along with some of his more potent Rhythmistic figurative images. Turtel Onli earned two degrees from the School of the Art Institute and is the Chief Operating Artist Founder of ONLI STUDIOS. Onli's work can be viewed at the Great Frame Up throughout the month of June.
Opening Reception:
Saturday, June 4th | 12:00 - 5:00 pm 
The Great Frame Up
1418 East 53rd Street | Chicago, IL 60615
FREE



Sunday, May 22, 2016

"My career started at the historic South Side Community Art Center before I went on to earn a BFA & MAAT from the prestigious School of the Art Institute of Chicago."
"My Rhythmistic take on the classic "Dinner at Emmaus" which I named "Breaking Bread" is available for a new home."
"Lower left is "Birds of Paradise" along with other items presented for auction.  It was a bit surprising that the evening was filled with personal tributes and not educational insights about art, the artists, or more sophisticated principles  toward building a quality fine art collection.  They should all attend my Art Appreciation class in the near future to learn more about the valued role of art & artists in the history of humanity. I left early as the banter was painfully low-brow….if you know what I mean."

Saturday, May 21, 2016


Prof. Onli started his career in 1970 at South Side Community Art Center in the historic Bronzeville District before he went on to earn two degrees at the prestigious School of the Art institute of Chicago. 

He has often participated in the Art Center's Annual Art Auction.  This event is the oldest with this type of focus.  important Rhythmistic works to this event included the oils on canvas called "Birds of Paradise", ( circa 2016), and the Dinner at Emaus classic Rhythmistic homage, "Breaking Bread" which is acrylics on canvas, (circa 1994). NOTE: 

Both are still available for collecting. Both offer great opportunities to astute collectors and investors.


Tuesday, May 17, 2016

CHICAGO- 2016- After eight years of innovative operation, the innovative ONLI STUDIOS has closed its doors at the Bridgeport Art Center. But very active in other venues and online.

Smart curators, serious collectors and insightful fans of contemporary visual art will love the power and varied stylizations and concepts explored by these talented independently minded artists.








Prof. Onli circa 1999.

Wednesday, January 13, 2016

 Prof. Onli accepts dedicated student artists as studio interns.  Here they work on unique projects while exploring better studio practices. Above Sophia is creating an installation. Below, Rachel is drawing an illustration.  This is a long time aspect of Onli's approach to living life as an artist.