Reclusive Artist Norman J. Olson’s Nudie Prison Art on Exhibit at WEAM

Of course, South Beach would have a sex museum. And tonight, the World Erotic Art Museum opens its “Nudes: Erotic, Poetic and Patterned” exhibit, featuring a rare exhibit of 17 original works by the reclusive artist Norman J. Olson.

The normally secluded Olson avoids the public and creates pieces “driven by the compulsion and obsession of a man who prefers his own company.” But, he has agreed to have his surreal, sensual works on display in the real city of sin (Vegas, who?).

Naomi Wilzig, owner and director of WEAM, explains what we can expect

from the exhibit: “This exhibit shows how an artist can be focused on

his own visual concepts of nudism which he then repeats in varying

paintings and drawings.

Similar in thought, but different in

illustration and execution, the repetition also shows the compulsive

instincts of the artist to perfect his thoughts and images.”

Despite, or maybe because of, his self-imposed reclusion, Olson’s

artwork has made people take notice and he is rapidly developing a

reputation in underground art circles. Described by the artist as

“prison art,” his work is based on the premise that our country’s

puritanical history has resulted in a country obsessed with sex.

Wilzig explains, “The exhibit is colorful and challenging to one’s

thought process, as is most surreal art.  We try to experience our own

interpretation of what the artist is illustrating.” Okay, fine…maybe it

is art.

The World Erotic Art Museum (1205 Washington Ave., Miami Beach) is open

362 days a year (the museum is closed on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day

and New Year’s Day). WEAM opens at 11 a.m. every day and closes at 10

p.m. Monday through Thursday and at 11 p.m. Friday through Sunday.

Admission costs between $13.50 and $15 and the exhibit runs through

August 26. Call 305-532-9336 or visit weam.com.

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