According to Wikipedia, Onli is a rare Artist who has created two visual art genres.

According to Wikipedia, Onli is a rare Artist who has created two visual art genres.
All artwork on this blog is Copyright 2024 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.

Saturday, December 23, 2023

Prof. Turtel Onli's museum worthy Rhythmistic practice is grounded in his dymaxion imagination that goes beyond the limiting narratives of social events, statements of protests or celebrating selected historical movements to manifest both an opulent place and a distinct artistic voice in Fine Art, Illustration plus the worlds of Graphic Novels and Comic Books.

Museum of Contemporary Art, Chicago and the 
Corvus Gallery at the University of Chicago

 Here are some insights into the value. legacy and impact of 
Rhythmism as imagination driven Future-Primitif visual art.

Box Factory For the Arts, Saint Joseph, Michigan,

 Art of Imagination, our Definition:

This art may be called by many names – Fantastic Realism, Surrealism, Magic Realism, Visionary Art, Cosmic Art and Inspirational Art, however the work is neither purely abstract nor rigidly realistic. Members of the Society work independently of one another in various countries yet their work shows a consistent ethos.

Since our inception we have grown to be an international society with members all over the world. Our American offshoot is a registered US charity.

Excerpts from “Rediscovering the Plot” by Michel de Saint Ouen published in Inscape Summer 2001

“The artist should be a creator, a transformer linked to the inner spirit who, with skill 

and imagination, constructs a creation which  embodies or symbolises a significant 

human value in a way which never existed before; to enhance, illuminate and perpetuate 

what is best in human values.”

“What is termed ‘art of imagination’ portrays the dramas which are the human 

conditions, exploring and expressing mysteries so as to make them comprehensible.”

“…and the chief contribution that artists of the imagination can make is 

their power to enlarge the range of emotions which affect all of us, enriching 

psychic, metaphysical, and spiritual values, and the appreciation of 

the beauties of the physical world which expand delight in existence and enhance 

self-realisation.”

"Place Setting" is oils on archival 24" X 36" canvas board. It is both a Kwanzaa icon and part of the growing "Passion Fruit" collection.


Wednesday, December 13, 2023

"Danse du Melons" Circa 2024: Oils & Acrylics on three 48" X 24" repurposed industrial panels. 
Part of the growing "Passion Fruit" collection. Onli started hi "Passion Fruit" watermelon themed body of Rhythmistic: Future-Primitif visual art to shift the negative demeaning stereotyping of Black Americans in association to the watermelon and its origin in Africa.  In this bold effort he established the watermelon as the logo of B.A.G.: The Black Art Guild. That started in 1970, now he has morphed the iconic body of artworks into much more.




Curator Dan Nadel during his visit to Onli's unique "Rhythmistic Residency".
Curator Nadel later stated,  "As you know, I love Turtel’s work and appreciate his place in the history."


Museums and major galleries and centers of art will appreciate that Prof. Onli has a proven growing solo exhibition of watermelon inspired Rhythmistic works of art called "Passion Fruit". It explores the travels of the health-giving watermelon in various Future-Primitif contexts. From its dreadful distortion as a negative stereotype to becoming a powerful agent of cultural pride and healthy choices.  Enigmatic yet wonderfully attractive.




Excerpts from Onli's critically acclaimed "Passion Fruit" Collection 
at the African American Art Expo, Chicago.

The exclusive exhibition record of Prof. Onli's Rhythmistic practice includes selected universities and elite art centers.


Onli with a smart art collector of his Rhythmistic Fine Art at the African American Art Expo.

Curator Dan Nadel visited Onli during his "Rhythmistic Residency" at the Hyde Park Art Center, Chicago, 2020. Nadel is currently the Curator At Large for the Lucas Museum of Narrative Art. 

He is in front of two of four impressive Rhythmistic Kokopellis created by Onli on archival natural unstretched fabric. Each represents an art form. Visual Art, Performing Art, Musical Arts & Literature. 

Curator Zakkiyyah Najeebah Dumas-O'Neal 's reaction during her visit to the "Rhythmistic Residency"!

An art enthusiast's meditative appreciation of Onli's Rhythmistic Artwork in the Musuem of Contemporary Art, Chicago's blockbuster group exhibition called "CHICAGO COMICS 1960 Until Now", curated by Dan Nadel. She is also along-time private collector of Onli's Rhythmistic artworks.




Prof. Onli teaches Air Brush Techniques per the School of the Art Institute's 
Ox-Bow Residency during the Summer Sessions of 2023 / 2024.




A focused student in Prof Onli's Ox Bow Air Brush Class.

Friday, November 17, 2023

 Diversity in an important permanent art collection should be as much about including various styles and acknowledging new genres as it is about esthetics, values, statements or cultures.


 "I have always offered Rhythmism as a Future-Primitif approach to the visual arts. First grown out of my youthful flow though both the Hippie infused Counter Cultural Revolution and the Black Cultural Movement of the late 1960s and early 1970s.  


Then enhanced and confirmed via my education and practices both being full of inspiring challenges and opportunities.  


 However, my overarching objective was to be beyond the usual trending protest art or homages to suffering and oppression. 




But more about Visual IQs.  Thinking differently. Expressing ideas and visions that were not simply a reaction to events and social factors. 

 


I continually produce Rhythmistic art that expands the canon of contemporary art.  Dali did not launch Surrealism.  Warhol did not coin the term Pop Art.  Picasso did not create Cubism as an art term.  I coined the term Rhythmism" in the early 1970s. This is visual arts innovation in real terms.  History has shown this. A Wiki search of my full name underscores its importance. (Turtel Onli).


Fortunately, I now have an official appraisal of my Rhythmistic practice. I am will to share this document with serious well-resourced collectors of contemporary art who truly want diversity without conflict form the source artist. I know my works belong in these collections. My history shows this. Rhythmistic art from its creator belongs in your collections! 


You may contact me via my email at onli@sbcglobal.net. I am unrepresented in these transactions which is of great benefit to you and your collecting goals. 

My appraisal document and prices-lists are available upon request."



Wednesday, October 18, 2023

 


This amazing book dropped Oct. 3rd 2023.  Ytasha Womack intelligently put together exciting crucial creative, cultural and commercial aspects of MARVEL's Black Panther.

This book is great for fans, educators, students, researchers and haters all should be up on this book.


 Prof. Turtel Onli is quoted four times in the book and references are made to "Rhythmism" and "The Black Age of Comics. Both were coined, founded and established by him. Rhythmism since the 1970s as a Future-Primitif approach to the visual arts.  The Black Age of Comics as a genre & movement that is derived from the Black, African, Urban and Alternative experience, since 1993.


Prof. Onli & Ytasha sharing a lil' luv & faith at Pocket Con in Chicago. NOTE: Pocket Con was modeled after the decades long Black Age of Comics Convention produced in Chicago by ONLI STUDIOS since Feb. 1993.

 

Thursday, October 5, 2023


 Prof. Turtel Onli, M.A.A.T. &, PhD in Art Education and Rhythmistic Visual artist on Oct. 5th, 2023 at the opening ot the public of the group faculty exhibition at the downtown Harold Washington College. The Art & Architecture Department's amazing staff submitted works that were curated around the show's theme of "Critical Infrastructure".  It is open to the general art loving public and the entire college's community. LINK

Thursday, September 21, 2023

 Prof. Onli's visual art practice has always applied the following principals when doing commissions for clients, customers, art collectors or residencies. 

The artwork on this section was all created in the ONLI STUDIOS.

Amplify Skills:


The arts reveal and enhance the breadth of talent and creativity among employees and teams by cultivating the creative thinking skills your business needs.

When businesses partner with the arts they get more inspired and engaged employees.


Drive Innovation:


The arts foster inspiration, empathy, and leadership — all which establish a platform to innovate in an ever-evolving economy.

When businesses partner with the arts they get more inspired and engaged employees. 

Show Gratitude:


The arts offer meaningful, enjoyable experiences and valuable benefits to your employees and their families.

When businesses partner with the arts they get more inspired and engaged employees.

Set Your Business Apart:


Leveraging a partnership with an artist/arts organization will help you communicate your company’s story by engaging customers and clients, conveying your unique values.


When businesses partner with the arts, they gain a competitive edge.

Enliven the Workplace:


The arts stimulate positive company culture and conversation, foster employee well-being, and inspire a healthier work environment through unique and meaningful experiences for human connection.

When businesses partner with the arts, they gain a competitive edge.

Enrich Community Life:

The arts are essential to the development of a vibrant and diverse community in which the best employees want to live, work, shop, create, and contribute.


Businesses need communities where employees want to live and work.








Saturday, September 16, 2023

 https://www.instagram.com/p/CTaEYPNLIsB/

Link to time lapse video of live painting at the Museum of Contemporary Art, Chicago 2021.




Tuesday, September 12, 2023

 2001......The Divine Alchemy Art Gallery in Saugatuck Michigan decided to do a promotional with some of its exhibiting artists doing demos. Making new art in real time at the gallery. Indoors or outside. With fans, folks, and art lovers checking it out. 


This would ironically be the weekend after the tragic events in NY on 9-11. "The Danse of the 9-11 Phoenix " , a 40" X 30" acrylics, "No Evils" painting is what I painted that day. Charged by those events.... symbolizing not letting its impact getting in the way of the potential to energize for our betterment. I usually feature it in the "No Evils" exhibits.



Tuesday, September 5, 2023

 CHICAGO- Due to a tragic high-rise fire in January of this year Rhythmistic Artist, Prof. Turtel Onli has relocated from that lake viewing live/workspace situation to one in the Ravenswood District of Chicago.


 Onli had been an iconic presence in the robust Hyde Park art scene since 1970. 



Now his Rhythmistic practice finds itself in a creative transition. Prof. Onli recently taught an Air-Brush class for the School of the Art Institute at the Ox Bow in Saugatuck Michigan.





Saturday, August 26, 2023

 

Onil is that rare visual artist who has actually working the field of Comic Books & Graphic Novels along with Fine Art and Illustration. Plenty of major Visual Artists claim comix or cartoons as source material or inspiration yet they have never worked in those fields. Often their venture into comics is brazen appropriation or worst.  

Onli is unique in this. Sort of like the masters of music who can perform or compose in Pop, Classical, Jazz and Electronica. Versatility in full effect!

These four unique acclaimed collections are ready to be presented in major galleries or museums. Each body of Rhythmistic Art is ready for the gaze of the astute curator or intelligently well resources collector.


Proven in both worlds of visual expression and communication.