JAMES KUSEL
HELP (2010)
Ink on paper, 16 x 20 in.
Framed
Courtesy the Living Museum (Queens, NY)
James Kusel is a graphic artist whose work in pen and ink grows out of a background in graffiti but moves beyond it, shaped by a commitment to resilience, his faith, and creativity. Coming from a family of artists and sustained by a lifelong connection to music, his drawings develop through an organically progressive process. He has maintained a studio at the Living Museum for over three decades, where he produces work for his personal archive and exhibitions. Kusel’s creativity extends beyond the page into music, culinary projects, and daily life, each informed by the depth of his lived experience and his conviction that art is a means of preservation and connection.
THE LIVING MUSEUM
QUEENS, NY
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Located in Queens, New York City, The Living Museum is an art studio dedicated to presenting art produced by patients at the Creedmoor Psychiatric Center, the largest state psychiatric care center in New York City. It is the first working studio and museum of its kind and holds the largest collection of outsider art in the United States. Today over 70 artists work at the museum on a regular basis.
In 1983, Dr. Marton a psychologist at Creedmoor invited Bolek Greczynski, a Polish artist known for his work in political art and experimental theater, to join the hospital staff. Together, the two guided the transformation of an abandoned building on the Creedmoor grounds into a place of extraordinary beauty.
Mr. Greczynski was the museum’s first director. Dr. Marton took over the post in 1995, shortly after Mr. Greczynski death. Today, 70 or so artists work at the museum regularly.
Dr. Mitra Reyhani Ghadim, an artist, therapist and educator whose work bridges clinical practice, research, and the arts, is the current director of the Living Museum where she curates exhibitions and mentors the participating artists. -
The Living Museum
Creedmoor Psychiatric Center
Building 75
80-45 Winchester Blvd.
Queens Village, NY 11427Hours
Monday–Thursday: 9:30AM–4:30PM -
For art sales: david@fierman.nyc