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Writer's pictureKentuck

Michael Banks: #MeetTheArtist

Updated: Feb 25, 2020


Michael Banks, Outsider Artist, Kentuck Festival of the Arts, Alabama
Michael Banks at the 48th Kentuck Festival of the Arts

Michael Banks, a contemporary folk artist best known for his brooding, mask-like faces and bright colors, is a Guest Artist at the Kentuck Festival of the Arts. Originally from Guntersville, Alabama, Michael has been attending the Kentuck Festival for many years and his work has been exhibited throughout the United States.


Michael grew up in public housing in Guntersville, Alabama with five siblings. He was an artistically-inclined child, painting with anything he could get his hands on — including his mother's lipstick. His mother, Ann, raised not only her own five children, but her sister's children too. With so many kids in the house, there was no money for traditional art supplies; however, Ann was always Michael's biggest fan.


Ann passed in 1992, which led Michael to fall into a deep, five-year depression. He did not paint again until 1997 when he was reminded of the hope and encouragement his mother instilled in him throughout his childhood.


Since 1997, Michael's work has become some of the most recognizable contemporary folk art in the southeast and beyond. In his mid-twenties, he exhibited at Panoply Arts Festival in Huntsville, Alabama and met Georgine Clarke, Kentuck's founder. Georgine invited him to exhibit at the Kentuck Festival of the Arts later that year. At Kentuck, he sold all 95 pieces in his inventory and met Jimmy Lee Sudduth, Bernice Sims, Lonnie Holley, and Mose Tolliver — some of the most prominent names in the folk art world.


The juxtaposition of bold, vivid colors and detailed incised lines characterize Michael Banks's work. Michael often scratches details and symbols into the surface of his work, leaving interpretation to the viewer. The lively colors of Banks's work are often at odds with his distorted faces and figures--wide set eyes, elongated faces, and inhuman positions contribute to the intrigue and energy of his work.


His work has attracted many admirers and has marked an important step in the evolution of American folk art.


Michael has exhibited at many of the nation's top folk and contemporary art festivals and has had exhibitions at many galleries throughout the United States, including Atlanta, GA; Savannah, GA; Denver, CO; and New York, NY.


Michael says he paints because it keeps him alive.


Available works:

(Click photos below to visit our online shop for more information about each piece)


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Herbert Clark
Herbert Clark
6 days ago

Great to see Michael Banks recognized in this discussion! His contributions are valuable to the community. For anyone looking to enhance their project management skills, I recommend checking out How to Choose the Right Project Management Tool. This guide offers helpful insights that can streamline your projects and improve efficiency.

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Michael Banks' journey is truly inspiring! His ability to transform personal loss into vibrant, thought-provoking art speaks volumes about the healing power of creativity. The blend of bright colors with haunting imagery creates a unique emotional depth that resonates with many. It's wonderful to see his work celebrated at the Kentuck Festival of the Arts, highlighting his significant impact on contemporary folk art. His story reminds us of the importance of support and resilience in the face of adversity. Can't wait to see what he creates next! If you’re as curious as I am about solutions, be sure to check out my latest blog post!

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