Karl Wirsum (1939–2021), a Chicago native, enrolled at the School of the Art Institute in 1957 and later became one of its most influential painting and drawing instructors. By the
early 1960s he had developed a signature style of high‑key color, patterned and near‑symmetrical forms, comic‑inflected figuration, and sharp visual and verbal wit, much of it emerging
from his densely worked sketchbooks. His Marionettes remains a magnetic work within his oeuvre, emblematic of the eccentric precision that continues to draw viewers. A devoted
listener of Chicago blues and R&B—especially around Maxwell Street—Wirsum translated that musical charge into paintings, including portraits of Howlin’ Wolf, Junior Wells,
and Screamin’ Jay Hawkins. His work continues to be represented by Corbett vs. Dempsey, the Chicago gallery long associated with his career. In the years since his passing,
Wirsum’s market has strengthened markedly: more than 150 auction results across major U.S. houses show steady activity through 2022–2025, with works on paper regularly reaching mid‑four
to low‑five figures and paintings achieving higher estimates—such as Pool Puddle (1985), listed at $15,000–$25,000—while sustained demand at Heritage, Hindman, Wright, and Toomey &
Co. reflects an active and growing collector base.
A grouping of papier-mâché marionettes by Karl Wirsum are on view at Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts exhibition ''Bodies and Souls,'' 2026
Gargoyle Gargle Oil, 1969, acrylic on mirror and wood, 35" × 27" in
Lolly Pup, Marionette, 1973, acrylic on wood, 18" × 14" in
Standing Figure, 1967-71, acrylic on wood, 30" × 12" in
Marionettes, 1974
Marionettes, 1974, Left to right, China Clown, 52" x 28" x 27" in, Jimmy Jones Brother Jack, 35" x 19" x 14" in, Jimmy Jones Junior, 36" x 15" x 12" in,
Tree Son, 48" x 21" x 35" in, acrylic, papier-mâché, wood, and fabric, far right, Robert Gero for scale, Show; Karl Wirsum, The Hard Way: Selections from the 1970s, Derek Eller Gallery,
615 West 27th Street, Chelsea, Manhattan, 2015
Mity Mite Quilted Twin, Marionette, 1975, Acrylic on wood with quilted fabric, It stands three feet tall, 36" x 18" in,
China Clown, 1974, Acrylic on papier mâché, fabric, shoes, and painted wood chair, 52" × 28" in
The "Buster" Marionette, 1973, constructed from painted wood and metal.
Karl Wirsum's cinematic gem from 1973 provides a rare opportunity to see him in his private garden digitally restored by Suzanne Simpson and Pentimenti Productions
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