both images mounted together in frame: upper image (a): triangular mask-like face with geometric details and squinting eyes, within eyelike, almond-shaped form; form has black background with scattered stars and arrows; 3 differently patterned bands across top and bottom edges; title at top; rendered in black and red lower image (b): diamond-shaped face with linear decorations above squinted eyes within center of larger flower-motif; center of flower is black with scattered stars and arrows; geometric and floral patterns in the petals; rendered in black and red; title across top

%C2%A9 Estate Henry Ray Clark

I am Four Eyes from the Planet Called the Red Tornado / I am Blind and I Can See your Future from my Planet Lovely, 20th century

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Self-taught artist Henry Ray Clark developed the creative persona of an extraterrestrial with fantastic powers. Clark’s belief was sincere: “I know they are out there,” he said, “because I have been there. Every night when I go to bed, I travel in my spaceship going to all of the places I put on these papers.” Clark was convicted of a crime and spent years in the Texas prison system, where he turned to drawing as a psychological release from extended periods of confinement and isolation. This ink and crayon diptych exemplifies Clark’s fascination with richly detailed pattern and line. Clark said, “They can lock my body up, but they can't lock up my mind. As long as my mind can create something beautiful to look at I am a free man and I will live forever in my art.” The interpretation and meaning of the two abstract compositions is elusive and is left to the viewer.

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Details
Title
I am Four Eyes from the Planet Called the Red Tornado / I am Blind and I Can See your Future from my Planet Lovely
Artist Life
1936–2006
Role
Artist
Accession Number
2017.21.14a,b
Provenance
Dennis Adrian, Seaside, Oregon, until 2017; given to MIA, 2017.
Curator Approved

This record has been reviewed by our curatorial staff but may be incomplete. These records are frequently revised and enhanced. If you notice a mistake or have additional information about this object, please email collectionsdata@artsmia.org.

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both images mounted together in frame: upper image (a): triangular mask-like face with geometric details and squinting eyes, within eyelike, almond-shaped form; form has black background with scattered stars and arrows; 3 differently patterned bands across top and bottom edges; title at top; rendered in black and red lower image (b): diamond-shaped face with linear decorations above squinted eyes within center of larger flower-motif; center of flower is black with scattered stars and arrows; geometric and floral patterns in the petals; rendered in black and red; title across top

© Estate Henry Ray Clark

Because of © restrictions, we can only show you a small image of this artwork.