Product Description

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #747006 in Books
• Published on: 2006-04
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Hardcover
• 400 pages

From Publishers Weekly
If readers haven't heard of Bill Arnett, the Atlanta art collector-dealer-patron whom Dietz reports on in this book, they'll certainly have an opinion about him by the time they close its covers. A self-made art expert who traveled the world and amassed a collection for himself, Arnett developed an interest in rural African-American folk art made by self-taught men such as Thornton Dial and Lonnie Holley, both from Alabama. In the late 1980s, Arnett offered these artists what they believed were staggering amounts of money for their work. But in the early 1990s, people began to wonder whether Arnett's deals weren't just another example of a rich, white art dealer taking advantage of poor, uneducated black artists. Arnett's deal with Dial drew, and continues to draw, particularly strong fire since Dial is illiterate, Arnett owns Dial's house and maintains complete control over the artist's dealings with the public. Dietz chronicles a number of episodes surrounding Arnett and his folk artists, including various museum shows and accompanying disagreements, leaving readers to make their own assessment of whether Arnett is a visionary champion of a new artistic frontier or simply a wealthy hoarder who thinks everyone's against him. (Apr.)
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Review
"Powerful and poignant...a true life folk tale of creative genius that triumphs against all odds." —Paul Hemphill, author, Lovesick Blues: The Life of Hank Williams


"William Faulkner, meet Tom Wolfe....a splendid, surreal portrait of an art world gone mad." —John Helyar, author, Barbarians at the Gate


"The Last Folk Hero is the 'perfect storm' of art world literature." —Richard Polsky, author, I Bought Andy Warhol



"Intriguing true story....Well-researched." —The Indianapolis Star

"Lots of fun to read." —Anniston Star

"It reads entertainingly and populates the outsider art phenomenon with a cast of real and memorable characters." —San Francisco Chronicle

About the Author
Andrew Dietz is a writer and entrepreneur. He lives in Atlanta, Georgia.

Customer Reviews

A Compelling Tale
A compelling tale about a little explored area of art: the back door dealings of the players and how it affects artists. Already thoroughly familiar with Dial's, Holley's, and Arnett's tales, this was still a real page turner. Having some professional experience with one of the players that enters the story late, I can vouch that Dietz's description of the "character" is pretty accurate. It's a tough call as to what Arnett may be trying accomplish (it's all pretty gray), but he has helped bring American vernacular art to the forefront of the contemporary art scene. This is one of the best books about art written in the last few years.

What is Art?
What is art?- you really answered this question! Through the many people you probobly interviewed, you probobly learned this too!!! I just absolutly LOVE THIS BOOK AND I RECOMMEND IT TO PEOPLE OF AGES 10 AND UP!!!! You must have worked really, really hard!!! Good Book and Exelent work!!!!

Wonderful,well written book!
I absolutely loved this book! I think that you must have put a lot of effort, work, and time into this masterpiece. Love the word usage and the story overall. I hope that you write more books.
Great Work!