Art Collecting in the Rhythmic Zone

2012-01-19T20:58:00.000-08:00

This is the home of ONLI STUDIOS. 34h and South Racine in Chicago. 4th floor with open house each 3rd Friday 5pm to 10pm.

2011-07-18T03:35:00.000-07:00

I am a Professor at Harold Washington College in downtown Chicago where I teach Drawing and Art Appreciation. Art Appreciation is about how to use a set of standards to evaluate creative works without attacking them. Context matters. Web site link is for folks that may want to arrange to review or experience some of my actual artwork in my studio. ONLI STUDIOS

2011-05-30T13:01:00.001-07:00

Rhythmistic bio & history:

2011-04-19T08:54:00.000-07:00

Notice: They graciuosly extended the exhibition another month until June 30th, .

The Visiting Artists Series African-American Cultural Center University of Illinois at Chicago

Solo Art Exhibit “Passion Fruit: The Other Chicago Art Movement”

Exhibitor Turtel Onli

Dates May 2 to May 31, 2011

8:30 a.m. to 4:45 p.m.

Monday through Friday

Location Addams Hall, Room 207

830 South Halsted street

Opening Reception May 6, 2011

5:00 - 8:00 p.m.

Addams Hall, Room 207

Reception lecture “Passion Fruit: The Other Chicago Black Movement”

Lecturer / Rhythmistic Artist Turtel Onli M.A.A.T.

Lecture 6:00 - 6:40 p.m.

Discussion 6:40 - 7:00 p.m.

Hors d’oeuvres 5:00 - 6:00 p.m.

7:00 - 8:00 p.m.

Description Turtel Onli’s exhibit

“Passion Fruit: The Other Chicago Black Movement”

is a collection of watermelon themed images, posters, photographs and original artworks that explores the American watermelon, not as a fruit, but a former symbol of racial stereotyping that needed to be transformed into a positive cultural icon.

The exhibit also pays tribute to the youthful Chicago based Black Arts Guild (BAG) that Turtel Onli founded in 1970 and directed until 1978.

BAG featured members like Jim Smoote, Obie Creed, Dalton Brown,the late Kenneth Hunter and Espi Frazier when they were all college students in art with immense talent, yet often denied options due to being considered “too young” in professional and Black cultural circles.

This self sufficient guild not only helped to launch their careers but adopted the Red, Black & Green watermelon as its logo and initiated a creative battle to change the negative applications of watermelon related images into a positive and creative symbol.

Several of its members were featured in exhibitions at the Younger Gallery in the 1980s as well as exhibits held nationally at several universities. A BAG reunion retrospective show was held in 1991 at the Prairie Avenue Gallery. Although BAG was disbanded in the summer of 1978, most of the artists are very active in the arts to this day. Onli morphed this philosophy to the growing Black Age movement.

Biography

Onli is a creative artist whose career has touched upon a variety of disciplines in fine and applied visual art.

He has been an art therapist, educator and illustrator. He has also distinguished himself in painting, drawing, illustration, publishing, fashion and multimedia production.

Onli earned a Bachelor’s degree in Fine Arts and Masters in Art and Art therapy from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago.

He studied in Paris at the Sorbonne and the Centre Pompidou.

He has exhibited in France, and the United States. He is a four-time Visiting artist at the University of Illinois.

Onli has been an illustrator for the Rolling Stones, Motown, Mode Avant Garde Magazine, and Holt, Rinehart and Winston.

His work is in many collections including those of the Cool Globes Public Art, the Chicago Children’s Museum, Johnson Publishing Company, Alice Coltrane, the Miles Davis Estate and the DuSable Museum of African-American History.

Onli has received many awards including Honorable Mention in the Salon at the Munster Center for Visual and Performing Art and the Prix Arts Electronics, a laureate in the Concours des Dessins with the Foyer Internationale d’Accueil de Paris.

His work was selected for presentation at Festac 1977: The second World Festival of Black and African Art and Culture in Lagos, Nigeria.

In 2007, he published a book of Rhythmistic artwork titled ”No Evils.”

Onli formerly taught at Columbia College, he currently teaches Art and Graphic Design at the Chicago Public Schools, and he is an adjunct Professor of Drawing and Art Appreciation at the Harold Washington College.

Cost Free

Who May Attend Open to art collectors, curators, the academic community and the public

Information (312) 996-9549

If you have a disability that needs accommodation in order to participate in this event, please call prior to the event. The African-American Cultural Center is serviced by the elevator in Burnham Hall. A ramp on the second floor connects the two buildings.

2011-03-23T11:25:00.000-07:00

Google Xero Error Xpanse to learn about this hot project outta Dubai. They were cool ennuf to be featured in Future Funk and returned the favor on their blog recently. The creative world just got a little smaller for Rhythmism and the visual art of Onli.

2011-03-03T04:18:00.000-08:00

2010-09-16T05:45:00.000-07:00

Find more photos like this on Black Art In America

2010-07-27T03:53:00.001-07:00

You are invited monthly!!!!! Aug. 20th 2010, like each 3rd Friday, is Open House at Onli Studios, in the East Bank Artists Building, 35th & Racine in Chicago. 4th floor. Cell: 773-726-1610. Enter via the parking lot on 34th street. Or by appointment.

Fine & Wearable Rhythmistic Art. Appreciate. Curate. Collect. Participate.

2010-07-17T21:34:00.000-07:00

The Wall of Truth.
Visit www.onliwear.blogspot.com

2010-06-29T09:28:00.000-07:00

Graphic limited edition denim.

Wearable art from ONLIWEAR....for your inner Art Star....while they last.....

YOUR RHYTHMISTIC ART STAR IS CALLING.

ONLI INVITES YOU!

The 3rd Fridays of the month in Chicago will not be the same. East Bank Artists at the East Bank building will be having monthly open houses and special exhibitions. The ZHOU B building and bar around the corner is already opening on that same night. It is becoming quite the creative scene. ONLI STUDIOS is located at East Bank #44038 and I am inviting my friends, collectors, students, and even competitors to come and get yo' art own. Collect 'em while they last!!!!!!

Cell # 773-726-1610 for appointments.

We accept Master Cards and Visa.

2010-06-09T03:30:00.000-07:00

Most smart collectors own a range of fine art works.

Collecting fine art is a rewarding and exciting enterprise. It often combines speculation, education, pleasure, judgement, and satisfaction. They often include original figurative, abstract, landscape, and still-life treasures. Then one may grow a meaningfully dedicated focus. This emphasis may range from specific artists to which the collector has a connection of insight, intellect, values, background, or passion. Often design aspects or subject matter becomes the center around which a collection grows. There also is the pride of creative ownership.

"I suggest you consider selecting a few for your collection."

It's nice to add quality and presence to

your growing and important fine art collection.

2010-04-28T07:39:00.000-07:00

My creative / artistic practice is expanding.

I will be there the 3rd Friday of each month,

5pm until 9pm.

For appointments: 773-726-1610

Email: onli@sbcglobal.net

This is a view of the outer wall of the studio.

The Wall of Truth: Selections from the "Passion Fruit" and "No Evils" collections.

"No Evils": Acrylics on canvas, framed, and ready to collect.

Ownership is the highest form of appreciation.

ONLI STUDIOS had its first open studio at the East Bank Artists' Building.

This hot Bridgeport Art Center event was May 21st through May 23rd. The East Bank Artists were on fire! Onli sold several limited edition Rhythmistic fine art prints while entertaining questions and critical discourse with a variety of interested fine art collectors. To see more of Onli's fine art go to http://www.onlistudios.com/

I moved into Studio space #44038 after Sofia Moreno moved to another space in the building. She is an amazingly talented passionate art maker. We were talking about art and she referred to my work as having "strong psychedelic properties". Then she went on to talk about her father's creative life in the seventies and how some of my images reminded her of Grace Jones, the hot beauty icon of the '70s & '80s. She even had books to back it up with. I learned so much about myself in the exchange. All while learning to appreciate her visual language.

I found her comments to be very insightful as having come of age during the Psychedelic '60s and working as an international illustrator with Playboy's OUI Magazine and MODE Avant Garde and the Paris Metro during the disco sizzlin' '70s while directing the BAG artists' guild. I was there as an active contributor and while absorbing influences that are alive in my Rhythmistic works. Nate McLin, a Chicago based art critic, often expressed that my Rhythmistic works were actually the forerunner to the current Afro-futurist movement in that I was doing the blend of stylizations to a future-primitive flavor before the new term hit. One should phone first to make appointments per studio visits.

More reason to come to the open studios the

3rd Friday of each month to check us out.

2009-12-24T04:49:00.000-08:00

"Dragon's Joy" ONLI Copyright 2009 Watercolor on heavy duty acid free archival paper. 22" X 30". Rhythmistic otherworldliness in watercolors. This growing collection is inspired by the Chinese and Western World Horoscope and zodiac systems. Looking for collectors, curators, and art investors.

I saw the amazing future-primitif movie AVATAR and thought.

Hmmmmmmmm. Deja vu all over again!

OK. I will say it. After all I am not in a politically correct mood these days. I was there way back in the 20th Century!!! The following sequence of images created by me in late 1977. I shopped them around in Paris and London to major publishers and filmmakers. The same in Los Angeles New York. Even Chicago. They were all very impressed but unprepared for the power, appeal, and potential of them. Science fiction, globalization, diversity, graphic novels as source material or high-art, and spiritual processing had not hit those circles yet. I did freelance illustration work with the Rolling Stones, MODE AVANT GARDE, and The Paris Metro newspaper along with winning a national drawing contest in France that resulted in a solo exhibition of my artwork at the FIAP in Paris.

I was told in Paris. by a person who was well connected, "Turtel, you are ahead of your time!" I thought, "Hmmmmm, I guess he will not be investing in any of my concepts." However I beg to differ. Time is on my side!!!

www.onlistudios.com

The undeniable power of these images I created did get an influential run in the trendy magazine MODE AVANT GARDE during that period.

My Rhythmistic "Femme Chat" was featured in the "Chicago Art Review". I do own the copyright to this image and character.

Please do not reproduce any of the images on this blog for commercial purposes without my permission. Thanks.

I will find more support. My folks. My investors to be. My passionate and intelligent collectors. My precious clients. My curiously dedicated students. My insightful fans. All who will want me to continue this work. Those who are comfortable with the fact that I continue to be a prolific visual thinker looking for the right team to develop all of this. They are finding me daily.

I do have my moments. Like the internationally acclaimed COOL GLOBES traveling public art collection. My Cool Globe entitled, "Itz A Rhythmistic World" was featured in the New York Times and the International Herald. My first Rhythmistic illustration freelance job, which was an album cover, is the first one featured in the landmark coffee table styled art book called, "FREEDOM" Rhythm & Sound". This book documents the connection of the art of album cover design in jazz to the music and the musicians themselves. Some of my artworks are in the permanent collections of the Johnson Publishing Company, The DuSable Museum, and the Chicago Children's Museum.

When I look at AVATAR I see aspects similar in visual language to my vision in full effect. It affirms that I was right about those ideas and their potential value but the folks I was shopping to were not ready. I am still right. Full of ideas. Ready to roll. Why do I see their face all over that movie? See? Great minds do think alike. It comes down to who gets the breaks. The big ones. It puts me back in the hunt.

The Rhythmistic Venus image/ illustrations were done during that time. the late '70s. The truth is me and Rhythmism exists. I persist at the risk of being ahead of my time again in these times while no less being very on time.

Since you were nice enough to visit and read this I have something else to say.

RHYTHMISM LIVES!!!!!!!

2009-11-24T14:53:00.000-08:00

I painted this Rhythmistic treatment for the late jazz great, Miles Davis way back then...He loved it! In fact it inspired him to take up art making. It was great kicking it with him.

Meanwhile the "Cool Globe" public art collection is traveling the world. In Copenhagen they were there during the heated debate about how to overcome global warming on a global level. My 'Itz A Rhtyhmistic World" Cool Globe was fortunate enough to be featured in the press coverage of this important event. A while back it was featured in the New York Times. Rhythmism in the mix!

www.coolglobes.org
Chicago's Mayor Daley congratulated the Cool Globe project and stressed its importance to Chicago and the world. Onli was asked to speak on behalf of the Conservation Clubs of Chicago.
"Gazelle" 1978 Graphite. Onli. (Damaged in a studio fire 2001.)

It has been a long.

The smarter you are the luckier for me. There is no force like an idea whose time has come. We have done so much for so long with so little that we are now qualified to do the impossible with nothing. BANK!

See what I mean? The foundation for things to come. Rhythmism lives!!!!!
Onli at his drawing table in his high rise lake view studio.

Great people, like the late Mayor of Chicago, Harold Washington, know the truth and potential of Rhythmistic fine art.
Back in da day, sitting in the seat of power and progress as a creative player in the process.

"Isis Eyes" 1999 Acrylics. 40" X 30"

Who are your favorite living visual artists? How great is the artist or the art in your collection? It could be even greater........ There is more going on than simply "personal taste" or art being 'subjective'. And you deserve that "more".

www.onlistudios.com (Click on her lips.)

2009-06-17T14:22:00.001-07:00

2009-04-20T09:50:00.000-07:00

www.onlistudios.com

Dr. Carol Adams, The President of the DuSable Museum of African American History and Cook County Commissioner / vocal legend, Jerry Butler watching the legendary media & radio icon Herb Kent, "The Cool Gent", used my "Passion Fruit / No Evils" Rhythmistic art exhibition at ETA in Chicago as the setting to present and autograph his new autoboigraphy in the Spring of 2009. The event was packed with his fans and well wishers.

It provided yet another opportunity for Chicagoans to celebrate and learn about creative expressions that were generated in Chicago and went on to have greater influence and potential. In attendance were author-historian Eugene Perkins, a NBC news producer, writer-novelist Angela Jackson, a bunch of Black cowboys and lots of fans of Herb Kent.... The theatre Dept. of Chicago State University, and Yeye Lynvonne Host of Cafe Yeye WCSUradio.

Fine Art. Media. Radio. Literature. "What becomes a legend most? Great art."

2009-04-11T05:07:00.000-07:00

Scroll down to view and click images to enlarge.

2009-04-10T11:02:00.000-07:00

Click on images to enlarge Serious collectors were attracted to the casual yet museum style presentation of the "Passion Fruit / No Evils" Rhythmistic solo fine art exhibition. The iconic watermelon serves as the trasitional object of cultural, social, and personal passion. WHile the "No Evils" collection served notice to a common thread in most belief systems. The need to cope with evil. It made it easy for them to embrace the artworks and to understand that Rhythmism is actually a visual arts movement with growth potential.

The word among some fine art speculators is that the prices and value of the works in this show will double after the exhibition is over.

Marcia made a connection with "Reach". She was drawn to its powerful use of nudilty and grace to show a woman as an iconic goddess without it being erotic. The reach of life from the Sun was a concept she was pleased to see expressed in a painting. She wanted to know about the original drawing that was the basis for it. Onli first drew the image as an ink drawing when he was 19 years old. It did not become a painting until he was 49. Now she wants that drawing!!!

Notice the abstracted environment that symbolizes the Sun's radiant energy. Rhythmism uses counting as a design element in a manner that is similar to how musical compositions use math in their construct.

Erika wanted to discuss with Onli how this "No Evils" painting packed so much visual impact while not using brilliant colors. Instead it is based on a limited palatte of white, black, and a few half tones. Here they are exploring the Rhythmistic design aspects that come together so successfully in this painting. She is a professional web software designer and visual artist. There was a lot of artspeak going on here.

Nisha is a fashion designer who shows that art often foreshadows life. Her look is akin the look of these future-primitif "No Evil" women. She wanted to pose with the image along with the artist. This was the first time they had met. Meanwhile the buzz around the opening was that the painting was actually a portrait of her. She thought the attention was so cool. So did Onli.

A pensive moment as Onli reflects on the honor of so many people coming out to learn about his work and his ideas about the visual art movement known as Rhythmism. He thanked them all for sharing their time and attention which adds so much to his learning experience as an artist. Being an emergent master in the contemporary arts he appreciates the value of connecting people with the Rhythmistic works of art in the form of a gallery showcase. This allows one to experience how various visual statements work off each other.

This important exhibition was at ETA until May 31st 2009. After Artropolis you may want to discover the Rhythmistic art movment in Chicago.

Scroll down for more details.

2009-03-10T04:36:00.000-07:00

Click on the image above to enlarge it.

2008-08-11T16:18:00.000-07:00

Onli's "Itz A Rhythmistic World "was recently featured in the New York Times. Cool Globes express hot ideas for a cool planet. More can be found at http://www.coolglobes.org/
Web address: http://www.onlistudios.com/

www.absolutearts.com/portfolios/z/zzzzz

2008-08-03T05:52:00.000-07:00

"Reach" Oils 40"X30" 2001

Featured in the "No Evils" collection

and publication via spiritual section of http://www.comixpress.com/

Dear Editor

Chicago Artists Coalition News http://www.caconline.org/ ,

Re: "Art in the Round" by Nathaniel McLin
I was thrilled to see coverage in your July-August Issue of Rhythmism and the artwork of Turtel Onli. Rhythmism and Mr. Onli have been vital contributors to the Chicago Art scene for over 30 years. I had the privilege of showcasing his work in my Hyde Park gallery, Younger Gallery, throughout the 1980's. Mr. Onli was instrumental in bringing in several artists to exhibit in my space who also worked with Rhythmistic themes. These artists had been part of the guild Mr. Onli formed in the 70's, B.A.G. or Black Artist's Guild, that launched the careers of many of the young Black artists of that era. Younger Gallery featured many of these talents, whose vision was overlooked by the white mainstream arts establishment, contributing to the vitality of the arts on Chicago's Southside. I am pleased to see that Rhythmism and Mr. Onli are getting the press they have long deserved.
While the reporter may have added his own spin to Mr. Onli's work the vitality of future-primitif themes remains a strong core element of Rhythmism and the expression of the rhythmic energies inherent in life are key to its expression. More of Mr. Onli's potent blend of color, concept and movement can be seen on his blog, http://www.onli.blogspot.com/.

Sincerely,

Rebekah Younger
Woolwich, ME
former owner, The Younger Gallery
former chair, Hyde Park Chamber of Commerce
http://www.rebekahyounger.com/

2008-08-02T02:29:00.000-07:00

AT: Editor, CAC Publication

Dear Editor,

I was impressed by the review of the work of painter Turtel Onli in the July-August 2008 edition of your publication. During my visit to Chicago I enjoyed a personal tour of the painter's work guided by the artist, and I have read the aforementioned article with great interest. The review of Onli's work is creative in form and rich in language. It is obvious that the reviewer spent time considering the depth of what is represented in only two dimensions. I would add that the modular, sequential, and serial aspect of Onli's work is particularly relevant. Looking at a number of his works side by side, the threads and symbols that link them and makes them unique emerge, without rendering the body of work monotonous or repetitive.

To my surprise, Turtel Onli's personal style is not simply defined, by a specific type of stroke, a particular pallet of colors, or a distinctive preference for certain forms. Having now met the artist himself, and after years of owning one of his paintings gifted to me by a very dear friend, and admiring a number of the comic books illustrated by Onli, I surmise that Turtel Onli, when he paints, allows himself to be dictated by his essence: an African-American man,with multicultural and erotic sensitivity, and a deep, optimistic yearning to right the wrongs, actively.

I will continue to enjoy your publication in its on-line form from the hometown of Santiago, Chile, while I continue monitoring the evolution of the work of Turtel Onli.

Cordially,

Fabia Fuenzalida, Ed.M.Santiago, Chile

2008-07-27T05:14:00.000-07:00

I am looking to exhibiting and selling in the African American Fine Art Show in Sept. 26th /28th 2008 Chicago IL.

2008-06-29T06:04:00.000-07:00

www.absolutearts.com/portfolios/z/zzzzz

2008-06-28T03:23:00.000-07:00

"Shorties Near the Wall" is a recent oil in the Passion Fruit collection.

"Muscle 'Melon" is a tropical themed oil painting influenced by the visions of travels and vacations.

"ART IN THE ROUND" was a celebration of art and the summer solstice which featured the works of three artists being presented in three different apartments in a lakeside high rise in the Hyde Park area of Chicago that is located within walking distance of the home of Barack Obama and the Hyde Park Art Center.

Visit the archives section of this blog.

2008-06-27T07:01:00.000-07:00

"Resting" is a 24"X18" Rhythmistic oil painting that links humanity to the luster of nature. Onli often asserts that at our basic cultural roots all humanity was the same. In the Americas, Europe Asia, and Africa we all worshiped the Sun, viewed the Earth as alive, and worked the land with a great sense of appreciation. In our modern incarnation we have differentiated ourselves often to the level of forgetting our basic roots. His subject matter often links humanity to its icons, nature, itself, and a cosmic or spiritual context.

Onli had his students at Harold Washington College to draw self portraits. He shared with them a rare charcoal self portrait he had completed last summer in a class taught by Barlow at the Marwen Foundation where Onli is on its Educational Advisory Board.

2008-06-02T07:35:00.000-07:00

"The Buffalo Does No Evil" Oils on canvas. A take on the future primitif icons of the Americas.

"The Tori Gate Speaks No Evil" Oils 24"X36" on canvas. Copyrighted 2008 Turtel Onli.

"The Stonehenge Sees No Evil" Oils , 24"X36" on canvas, Copyright 2008 Turtel Onli.

canvas. This recent group of paintings links Onli's watermelon collection to his important "No Evils" collection in that the 'melons blocks out the presence of evil. Each one features a root of humanity at its primitif level.

Power, freedom, and oneness with nature undesrscores each one.

For more on Art Appreciation visit Onli's curriculum website at www.cuip.net/~tonli/wit2002

I can be reached at onli@sbcglobal.net

To enlarge images simply click on them.

2008-05-11T04:44:00.000-07:00

"Mojito"

Sold during my Art In The Round studio open house event for the Summer Solstice 2008.

Copyright 2008 Turtel Oni, oils on panel is a new 18"X24 painting for the Passion Fruit Collection of Rhythmistic fine art which celebrates and explores our luv of 'dem 'melons. Watermelons dat is. Summer days have ways with melons' sweetness worldwide. Green like money and sweet like honey. No wonder we luv 'em so.

2008-05-08T04:33:00.000-07:00

"Passion Fruit"

Copyright 2008 Turtel Onli, oils on panel, 18"X24" is a recent Rhythmistic oil painting in this growing collection that bears the same name. The intimate open air and breezy mood here sets the tone for the idea of the watermelon as icon and transitional object. The abstracted design elements along with the naturalistic expressive treatment is combined to achieve a variety of potentials. Did you know that farmers have bred a yellow watermelon?

2008-03-30T06:43:00.000-07:00

"Taming Da Waters"

To enlarge the images simply click on them....

Copyright 2008 Turtel Onli, oils, 24" X 36" is a recent Rhythmistic masterpiece from Onli. It shows an angel taking a moment to stabilize a floating basket of fruits. It symbolizes the spiritual connection in receiving nutrition on a variety of levels through troubled times. The choppy waters and ominous sky provides a haunting presence contrasted with the assured calm on the angel's face along with the placement of her hands. She is strong, focused, and relaxed in her sense of duty to tame the waters.

In every Rhythmistic masterpiece lies an abstracted statement. Notice how the extended treatment of the waters produces a lovely and calming pattern of abstracted hues and textures.

This work would make a great gift for you, your office, or your place of worship.

2008-03-09T10:51:00.000-07:00

"Place Setting"

Copyright 2008 Turtel Onli , 24"X36", oils on canvas board 2008, is a new Rhythmistic oil painting by Turtel Onli. What do you think of the use of naturally occuring metaphors, symmetry, rhythm, and values in how Onli constructed this painting? It captures the excitement of a woman having a positive and warm moment in the preparation of a set of flowers. Is this symbolic of the need to put one's life in order? Clearly a positive experience. Interested collectors should email Onli at onli@sbcglobal.net to make arrangements.

Credit cards are accepted.

Feel free to post your comments as well.

This image is available in limited edition prints. Click on images to enlarge them.

2008-01-22T04:50:00.000-08:00

"Butterfly & Melons"

Copyright 2008 Turtel Onli, oils 18" X 24" is a new Rhythmistic painting that makes subtle suggestions about the delicate balance in nature. Here the subject is wearing motifs for the Sun, Earth, and Water while she gazes at us. Is this gaze a call to action or inaction? Is she at one with this balance of nature? What is her relationship to the items that surround her? Watermelons are powerful symbols in a variety of world cultures and are unique in flavor, color, and nutritional value. Do you know of any symbolic or aesthetic uses or interpretations of the watermelon?

In the past Onli created politically charged watermelon themed artwork to raise consciousness about certain controversial issues associated with this icon. This new collection has a diverse and universal tone to it.

Feel free to email your comments to onli@sbcglobal.net. Thanks for your time and appreciation of the visual arts.

Rhythmistic Fine Art has tremendous growth potential.

Given the state of our economy this is a collectors' market for fine art purchasing.

People collect art because they like it or want it. Because they make a spiritual or emotional connection with the artwork. Because it reflects their values or status. Because it compliments their decor or ambiance. Because of its importance in the growth of art movements or the pedigree of the artist who created the work.

Or for all of the above.

2008-01-21T03:30:00.000-08:00

Why should your art collection look like everyone else's when you are you? You are an individual. Hard working and deserving of expanding your collection in ways that reflect your intelligence, values, ideals, and status. Be sure to look through the archives in this blog for more art samples and information. Feel free to leave comments too.

Onli, a universal modern master, will create art based on your tastes, input, direction, and vision.

2007-11-05T17:17:00.000-08:00

"Breaking Bread"

Copyright 2008 Turtel Onli, is available as an acquired gift to the right place of worship or to the right collector. It depicts Jesus sharing bread at Emmaus. It is a nontraditional acrylic Rhythmistic 1994 masterwork interpretation of a classic Christian themed painting by Rembrandt that is about 36" X 42" acrylic on canvas.
Religion and Art have had an amazing relationship throughout both of their histories.

Maybe you or yours could buy it for the church of your choice.???

Onli's Grandfather, the Rev. Samuel David Phillips, was a Pentecostal Pastor who pioneered creating a unique collection of charts to help his congregation in Chicago during the Great Migration of the early 20th Century to understand the many concepts in the Bible and of the Pentecost. His works can be viewed at http://www.pentecostalcharts.blogspot.com/ .

To enlarge images simply click directly on them.

I can be reached at onli@sbcglobal.net.

2007-11-04T04:42:00.000-08:00

Feel free to review the archives in this blog to see useful information about Rhythmism and my efforts to make fine and applied art available to the collector. Experience art on its own terms.

I feel that ownership is the highest form of appreciation.

Along with the insightful and useful archives on this blog take a few moments with the curriculum website at www.cuip.net/~tonli/wit2002 and use the links there to take an intelligent tour dealing with the role of the visual arts in our society. It addresses museum related issues, philosophical concerns, and focuses on some areas of common every day visual art.

Thank you for your time and appreciation of all things Rhythmistic.

2007-11-04T04:10:00.000-08:00

Onli won a fashion show contest with a provocative Watermelon themed wearable art outfit at the Park West Club of Chicago in 1990. The First Place prize was a Club Med vacation for two. Here he is pictured along with Toni B. modeling one of those creations, in front of the fabric work created by Jim Smoote which inspired BAG to adopt the red, black,& Green watermelon as its logo.
BAG was an artists guild which Onli started in 1970 and directed until 1976. In 1991 BAG gave a retrospective exhibition which focused on the group's iconic symbol, the watermelon. This is an invitation to that landmark exhibition. BAG presented its first watermelon themed show in 1973 at the AFAM Gallery in Chicago. and again as the featured exhibition for the Black Esthetics Show in 1976 at the Museum of Science and Industry of Chicago. The members of BAG have explored, innovated, and promoted so many aspects of creative visual Black thought and creativity over the decades.

Collectors, educators, and curators may want to take a closer look into the work and legacy of the BAG artists.

The idea of Onli revisiting a sensitive theme before the art world is ready for it for further exploration and interpretation is not new.
Just like his tendency to think in terms of collections and movements.
This is explored on his curriculum website at www.cuip.net/~tonli/wit2002.

"Wading Da Water" is a serene Rhythmistic acrylic on canvas masterwork that embraces a spiritual message about communing with nature. It combines grace with strength. The powerfully depicted central figure shares her space with two other women in joy for life and a celebration of cleansing. Onli's work is as universal as it is innovative in how he combines concepts with technique to express ideas in a Rhythmistic context.

These two delicate drawings show Onli's sensitivity when using line and texture to capture and express an emotion. Both images were later completed in watercolor and are part of a growing popular collection of neo-classical Rhythmistic works.

Each work in this collection carries a story that embraces
the human character and spiritual persona.

Visit www.cuip.net/~tonli/wit2002 to learn more about appreciating visual art and the work of this nouveau master.

2007-11-03T20:14:00.000-07:00

Collecting Rhythmistic Art

2007-11-02T04:39:00.000-07:00

This blog is stil the best way to save money while building your collection of fine art.
This goes for my impressive selction of prints, originals, or sketches. The art posted here is looking for a new home. Give me a call at 773-726-1610.

Cool GLobes

2007-04-08T15:05:00.000-07:00

Title: "Itz A Rhythmistic World!" It shows people of all types holding hands united against the forces behind global warming along with images depicitng how idling cars and buses needlessly contribute to the problem. I was fortunate enough to secure a Cool Globes Public Art Commission. These were globes, dealing with themes to raise awareness about global warming to be auctioned off to gian support for the high school Conservation Clubs of Chicago.

Over 100 of them were displayed along the city's lakefront Museum Park Campus during the Spring and Summer of 2007. I hired 6 students where I teach and completed this globe in four days flat. They were members of the Conservation Club of Kenwood Academy via the Chicago Department of Environment. We worked on it at the Hyde Park Art Center of Chicago.

2007-01-08T19:32:00.000-08:00

"No Evils!" The Rhythmistic artwork of Turtel Onli is on exhibition for the month of January, 2007 at the African- American Cultural Center of the University of Illinois at Chicago. The address is 830 South Halsted Street in Chicago's rising upscale West Loop area. In room 209 of Addams Hall. Phone number: 312-413-2705.

The Center's hours are Monday to Friday 9:ooam until 4:30pm. The admission is free. Visitors may have their parking tickets validated at the Cultural Center. Onli will present the meaning of the "No Evils" collection and Rhythmistic art on January 26th at 5:00pm to 7:30pm at the show's reception. Refreshments served.

This is a great opportunity for collectors to embrace Rhythmistc art and for art appreciators the chance to learn about this movement from its founder. The "No Evils" collection is inspired by the Chinese monkey's proverb of See No, Speak No, and Hear No Evil.

2006-12-04T08:48:00.000-08:00

Great Art and the Artists who create it need your continued support. Try to visit a gallery, an artist's studio, or art museum.

Ownership is the highest form of appreciation.

Onli Studios accepts Master Card and Visa for your collecting convenience.

2006-09-30T05:52:00.000-07:00

"Isis Eyes" framed acylic on canvas:

This outstanding future-primitif Rhythmistic painting, by Onli, was on exhibition at the Kemetic Institute's 21st Century Stele group show. More Rhythmistic art work was on display at the Marwen Foundation's indoor Artfair Friday October 27th at 833 North Orleans. This show was up until the end of November. 312-944-2418 for info.

A collection without an Onli in it is just not a collection.

2006-09-27T05:45:00.000-07:00

The Artist at work. The "No Evils" series of Rhythmistic paintings and drawings is Onli's way to get the viewer to not empower evil. The stark baldness of the subjects is meant to replace personal vanity with a pure iconic selfless position against Seeking, Speaking, or Heeding Evils on any level. Thus taking the power away from evil. Onli is currently designing a catalog styled book based on this exciting Rhythmistic collection. The book will be available in early 2007. All of the original artwork is available for collecting.

Onli is a regularly featured artist at the Bare Walls fund raiser at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. He is available to accept commissions such as portraits, your creative visions, and murals in your home or office.
You can learn more about Onli, Rhythmism, and appreciating the visual arts at www.cuip.net/~tonli/wit2002/

2006-08-17T19:00:00.000-07:00

Onli is shown explaining the meaning of the "No Evils" painting to the excited patron who purchased it after watching its production at the 2002 Bare Walls event.
Call 773-536-0755 for an appointment or email Onli@sbcglobal.net .

No serious collection is complete without an Onli Rhythmistic Original. Master Card and Visa are accepted.

2006-04-28T06:02:00.000-07:00

The Rhythmistic movement started with a one person show in Paris France called "Presenting My Rhythm". Now Rhythmistic art is the area of art collecting with the most growth and performance potential. It is a visual modality that expresses the future-primitif nature of culture, time, space, ideas, and spirtuality.

This acrylic Rhythmistic painting is called "Contemplation". A West Coast lawyer acquired it.

"REACH" is the title of the Rhythmistic masterpiece which illustrates the cover of the Studio Portfolio catalog entitled "NO EVILS" which will be available in the early part of 2007. This painting was displayed for the month of October,2006 at the Little Black Pearl's Martin Gallery at 1060 east 47th street in Chicago Illinois. It is painted in oils on canvas and is about 30" X 40". It shows a woman's spirit being summoned by the truths of our life giving sun. Ra, as the Egyptians called it, was the first deity to be credited with giving life. This would be a serious choice for the right collector. Would that be you??

Financial Freedom of Choice

2006-02-25T05:01:00.000-08:00

This oil painting ,entitled, "Alchemie", was a recent commission for a principal in the Chicago Public Schools' system. (Photo by Rebekah Younger) The collector contracted Onli to manifest her vision of a female alchemist with detailed metaphysical considerations. She now has this spiritually charged 34"X46" Rhythmistic oil painting in her collection.

"Birds of Paradise" Oils Onli 2004
This Rhythmistic Masterpiece was selected to be in the juried School of the Art Institute of Chicago Black Alum exhibition entitled "Generations". This landmark show was at the South Side Community Art Center at 3831 South Michigan Avenue in Chicago's Bronzeville area.

Virtual visits and commisssions are possible too. Contact info: Onli@sbcglobal.net or 773-536-0755.

2005-11-24T09:16:00.000-08:00

"Wading Da Waters" Acrylics on canvas. Copyright 2005 Turtel Onli. This Rhythmistic masterpiece embraces the rhythms of spiritual play, nature, worship, life, along with the cycles of nature to communicate beauty, poise, power, and grace.

When you scroll down you will see the repainted Rhythmistic oil on canvas masterwork entitled "Angel's Dread". The original one was detroyed in a devastating studio fire in 2001. Another smart collector secured this artwork by this important contemporary Rhythmistc master. The beautiful cosmic looking "No Evils" Acrylics 1988, sold to a musician. It is a three-paneled painting that is about 90 inches wide and 40 inches tall when installed.

Street Promoz!!!

2005-11-20T13:24:00.000-08:00

In Chicago October is "Artist Month". During this time arts organizations and the city government celebrates and encourages support of the visual arts and it's Chicago based creators. The School of the Art Institute of Chicago displayed banners to promote its scholarship promotional called "Barewalls". This is an event where the alumni create art on canvas while supporters quietly bid on the works in a silent auction. It usually raises over $80,000.00 dollars for it's alumni scholarship fund. I earned a BFA in Art Education and MAAT in Art Therapy from the school. The banners featured images of several artists working during past "Barewalls" events. The central photo was one of myself. I had no idea it was going to happen. A friend of mine saw it downtown and called screaming to tell me. At the high school where I teach a student walked up to me and asked, "Mr. Onli, are you sort of famous or something? I saw you on a flag downtown promoting some art thing." After this I went to photo the banner. Needless to say I was surprised and honored by the whole thing. Sounds like an endorsement. The number one art school in the USA using the image of its Rhythmistic alum to promote the school.

Word!

Who Is Your Favorite Artist?

2005-11-19T05:09:00.000-08:00

Who is your favorite living artist? I often ask this question of my students or friends. It is not for debate but to check out a person's connection with the creativity of visual artists. Usually when I ask this question people respond by naming an entertainer. A singer or musician but not a visual artist. Once I focus them on the visual arts they tend to name a dead artist. But the question is an unofficial survey. Who is your favorite living artist?

2005-11-19T04:41:00.000-08:00

Bare Walls!!!!!

2005-11-17T08:03:00.000-08:00

Ownership is the highest level of appreciation for visual art. This is why we buy fashion, cars, wall papers, wrapping papers, greeting cards, paintings, weavings, prints, sculptures, photos, graphic novels, or ceramics, To own is to embrace. To appreciate and share with others your sense of class, style, insights, culture, power, prestige, or beliefs. These and so much more are indicated by our visual ownership. Our passionate visual ownership. And no collection is complete without a Rhythmistic work of art included. Your bare walls are begging for it now. Haven't you waited or looked long enough?

"Gallery Free Art"

2005-11-12T05:39:00.000-08:00

"No Evils" copyright Turtel Onli 2005. 30"X40"Acrylics on canvas. Sold. However I am creating an ongoing collection of original treatments of this ancient theme. The idea of not empowering evil is so liberating. So powerful. So central to many beleif systems.

Rhythmistic Masterpieces.

"Angel's Dread" Oils, 30" X 44", Copyright Turtel Onli 2005. This image is to depict the moment of pain when the Angels realized that Jesus was murdered. The original was destroyed in a devastating studio fire I experienced right after 911. In my comback phase post-fire I reprised it and sold it to a serious collector of Rhythmistic works.

http://lindsaygallery.com

2005-11-10T08:09:00.000-08:00

Visionary Art

2005-11-09T17:34:00.000-08:00

The Lindsay Gallery in Columbus Ohio is carrying some outstanding charts created by the late Rev. David Phillips along with a wealth of folk and outsider art. The owner and staff are amazing in their approach to supporting this type of creativity. They embrace the artist, the context in which it is created, and the needs of the audience with equal amounts of passion and insight.

Artistic and Spiritual Leagacy

2005-11-09T13:33:00.000-08:00

"ROME" This is a Chart by the late Rev. Phillips that shows Christians happily suffering at the hands of the Romans to prove their faith in God. They are being stoned, boiled in oil, cut in half, being eaten by animals, yet in each image the faithful are smiling based on absolute faith. It is drawn on oilcloth, circa 1970s, copyright 2005 Turtel Onli. Rev. Phillips did not think of himself as being an artist but using images to preach the word of God.

" The Root of All Evil" by Rev. David Phillips circa 1950s Copyright 2005 Turtel Onli. Drawn on oil cloth.

This is another highly collectable example of the Biblical Charts my late grandfather created from 1935 until 1973. I gave an exhibition of our works as a legacy show in early 2005 in Munster Indiana. A few of his charts have been sold and the Linsay Gallery in Columbus Ohio is currently handling a few of them. Rev. Phillips created the charts to help his congregation to better understand the word of God. He was a Pentecostal Preacher and I became a therapist-teacher. We both make art. How is that for a bit of a legacy.

Who is your favorite living Artist?

2005-11-08T04:42:00.000-08:00

Who is your favorite living Artist? This is a question I recently presented in my classes to my students. Immediately they started shouting the names of entertainers. Actors, singers, dancers, and musicians. Then I made the question more focused. Who is your favorite visual Artist as in one who paints, draws, designs, sculpts, sews, or the like? Each time the class went silent. So I let them know that the final report would be on each student's favorite artist. Meaning they will have to write a paper on that topic and present it to the class. This will be exciting.

I often ask this of my social peers and get the same reaction. Followed by their debating that entertainment is art therefore these people are artistic enough to be the answer to the question. Some times it is really passionate. My point is to open up the prospect of folks having favored living artists. Some people actually do. But when was the last time you heard someone refer to an artist as being their favorite? Hmmmmm. Who is your favorite living Artist?

2005-10-28T15:27:00.000-07:00

Rhythmism meets the Force. These are two images I recently painted in a crib.

I recently painted this mural in the bedroom of twin boys whose desire was to have this done. Their father was all into it and their energy flowed through me in each effort. Superhero artwork is very challenging to do. That is why so many "artists" stay away from it rather be embarrassed by coming up short. Using the human form and established characters doesn't allow one to hide behind "personal style" or interpretation. It takes talent, knowledge, skill, and restraint to modify your style and get it done right. I really got off doing it. ZOOM! Done!! The guys were all around me while working and were very insightful art directors. I hope more folks find me with this type of thing in mind. Rhythmism does it again!

Future Primitif Visual Art

2005-10-12T06:00:00.000-07:00

Did you ever think about the role of art in our universe? How it expands across time and shows up everywhere. How it speaks to us through our collective genetic memories in the forms of fashion, paintings, illustrations, cartoons, logos, photographs, digital images, and words. How it binds us to our roots. Our shared roots. Our common roots. Did you ever think about the fact that it is all proof that we have so much in common. This includes art for commerce, history, appreciation, healing, education, and expression. We are all so powerfully similar at our root.

I am looking for those reflections. Sharing those thoughts. And posting images that I call Rhythmistic Art. This is about fine or applied visual art that is rooted in a future-primitif context, full of technique, energy, and ideas. Not to mention varied levels of patterns, symbols, icons, and concepts. Visit the Rhythmistic Museum via the link below. It is a work in progress supported by the Web Institute for Teachers of the University of Chicago. This curriculum web is a teaching learning tool for the visual arts.

http://cuip.net/~tonli/wit2002/Hopepage%20for%20the%20Rhythmistic%20Museum.htm
The following link is to the site of a Rhythmistic practitioner who specializes in elegant knitwear and wearable art. Her name is Rebekah Younger. http://www.youngerknits.com/

I thought you might want to know about a prolific Rhyhtmistic writer who recently set up a site so that sustahs of the world could commune and share information. Her name is Cassandra Washington. By day she is an assistant principal at a very productive elementary school in Chicago. By gift she is taking screen writing classes. She is the creator-publisher of the "Grammar Patrol" educational comic book and co-created with me the graphic novel, Sustah-Girl, Queen of the Black Age. We often talk about producing more books such as "Knowso and the Alphabet Forest" and a updating of Sustah-Girl. We exchange ideas about public school education too since I am a high school art teacher in Chicago. We like to say, "we have done, therefore we can teach". You might dig dropping in on her at http://sustah-girl.com.

Word!