Professor Turtel Onli is a Rhythmistic artist, who was instrumental in establishing our store as an arts destination way back in the 1980’s, as its first gallery manager. His numerous contributions to the lively art scene in Chicago date back to the 70’s with the establishment of the Black Arts Guild (B.A.G.), an arts collective dedicated to showcasing and developing the professionalism of its members as part of the Counter Culture and Black Cultural Revolution.
Like many of his fellow B.A.G. members, Professor Onli studied at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, where he received both a B.A. and M.A.A.T. (Masters of Art in Art Therapy). He is known for coining the term, “Rhythmism” as a “Future – Primitif” approach to the visual arts.
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- Breaking Bread, Acrylic, 40″ x 40″, $3000.
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- Birds of Paradise, Oil, 28″ x 42″, $3000.
Turtel Onli
ARTISTS STATEMENT
Professor Onli was raised by his grandfather who was a Pentecostal pastor who drew Biblical charts to dynamically use in his sermons from 1935 until his death in 1973.
These two paintings on display at The Great Frame Up are a fraternal and artistic tribute to that spiritual legacy. They would be a great addition to any Christian institution’s collection!
1. “Breaking Bread” 40 ” X 40″, acrylic on archival canvas. Circa 1994. This painting is a Rhythmistic homage to the classic treatments of “Supper at Emmaus” as done by such artists as Rembrandt, Carravagio, and Titian. The scene depicts the moment when the hosts realize that this is the resurrected Christ breaking bread with them.
2. “Birds of Paradise” 46″X 28″, oil on canvas. Circa 2004. Illustrates the care given to a baby angel. It asks the question: “Are Angels the spirits of those yet to arrive or the souls of those who have passed on?”
To read more about Turtel Onli’s long and storied career as an artist, illustrator and educator: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Turtel_Onli
Website: http://www.onlistudios.com/