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.