Joe Louis Light Paintings & Artwork for Sale | Joe Louis Light Art Value Price Guide

Apr. 25, 2025
Joe Light & Rosie Lee Light Painting - "Big Fishes"
Est: $1,100 - $1,650
Joe Louis Light (American, 1934-2005) and Rosie Lee Light (American, 1934-2004). "Big Fishes" painting on board, ca. late 1980s. Signed by both artists at lower right; titled on verso. A delightful painting by American Outsider Artists Joe Louis Light and Rosie Lee Light titled "Big Fishes." The abstract composition features a large fish behind a petaled flower with a river below and a cloud above, all rendered in striking hues of persimmon, navy, crimson, mocha, mauve, scarlet, emerald, lavender, chiffon, and sky blue. Light's artwork heavily featured Christian themes of salvation and transformation. For example, he uses cruciform trees and flowers, like the one seen here, to symbolize temptations, often carnal temptation, but also as a preventive reminder of the beguiling words of preachers in pulpits. Lights rivers, as in this example, separate the material world (foreground) from the spiritual one (background), suggesting baptism as a requisite to enter heaven. Size of painting: 32.75" W x 28" H (83.2 cm x 71.1 cm); of frame: 35" W x 30" H (88.9 cm x 76.2 cm) About the aristoi Light, born Joe Lewis Light and named after the famous boxer, viewed his name as a responsibility, connecting it to spiritual enlightenment. He saw himself as a fighter against societal ills, aiming to provide guidance to his community. Light's artistic expression began with biblical messages on public surfaces, evolving into painted signs in his yard that addressed social issues, family values, and government criticisms. Despite his public messages, he maintained a self-imposed isolation, feeling his family was safer within his fenced yard. Light's artistic and religious views were deeply intertwined. He converted to Judaism after hearing Old Testament readings in prison, finding its stern God more fitting than his father's Baptist religion. However, his art heavily incorporated Christian themes of salvation and transformation. He used symbolic imagery, such as cruciform flowers and rivers, to represent temptations and spiritual journeys. His theological stance was unique, blending elements of Judaism and Christianity while rejecting what he perceived as "white man's Christianity. Light's art was influenced by his time selling goods at flea markets, where he encountered a variety of pop culture and everyday objects. He incorporated these items into his paintings, using them as symbolic elements in his personal iconography. His work often featured landscapes and imagery from Western films and postcards, reflecting his view of himself as a pioneer in a hostile world. His art was laden with conflicting mythologies, such as Christianity versus Judaism and cowboy versus Indian, and he positioned himself as a critic of human failings across all groups. Light's art was intended to convey his personal truths, but he was wary of widespread recognition, fearing that his messages would be suppressed. He believed his art redeemed everyday objects and transformed them into tools for spiritual enlightenment. His work included painted narratives on his home, reinterpreted song lyrics, and symbolic self-portraits aimed at both himself and his community. He felt misunderstood and persecuted, believing that his "kind of truth" was unwelcome. He died in 2005. (summarized from "River Deep, Mountain High" by William Arnett from artist's bio on "Souls Grown Deep" website) Provenance: private Rochester, Minnesota, USA collection, acquired from 1990 -1998 All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back. A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids. We ship worldwide and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience. SHIPPING EXCEPTIONS: Due to customs clearance issues, we are unable to ship to Germany, Switzerland and Australia. If you live in Germany, Switzerland or Australia, you will need to provide an alternate shipping destination, or we will not be able to complete your purchase. In addition, please note that we are unable to ship ancient items back to the original country of origin (Egyptian to Egypt, Greek to Greece, etc.) PAYMENT EXCEPTION: Unless a known customer of Artemis, payment for all gold / precious metal / gem lots must be made via Bank Wire Transfer or Certified Bank Check/Money Order, no exceptions. #192924
Artemis Fine Arts
Apr. 03, 2025
Joe Light & Rosie Lee Light Painting - "Big Fishes"
Est: $1,200 - $1,800
Joe Louis Light (American, 1934-2005) and Rosie Lee Light (American, 1934-2004). "Big Fishes" painting on board, ca. late 1980s. Signed by both artists at lower right; titled on verso. A delightful painting by American Outsider Artists Joe Louis Light and Rosie Lee Light titled "Big Fishes." The abstract composition features a large fish behind a petaled flower with a river below and a cloud above, all rendered in striking hues of persimmon, navy, crimson, mocha, mauve, scarlet, emerald, lavender, chiffon, and sky blue. Light's artwork heavily featured Christian themes of salvation and transformation. For example, he uses cruciform trees and flowers, like the one seen here, to symbolize temptations, often carnal temptation, but also as a preventive reminder of the beguiling words of preachers in pulpits. Lights rivers, as in this example, separate the material world (foreground) from the spiritual one (background), suggesting baptism as a requisite to enter heaven. Size of painting: 32.75" W x 28" H (83.2 cm x 71.1 cm); of frame: 35" W x 30" H (88.9 cm x 76.2 cm) About the aristoi Light, born Joe Lewis Light and named after the famous boxer, viewed his name as a responsibility, connecting it to spiritual enlightenment. He saw himself as a fighter against societal ills, aiming to provide guidance to his community. Light's artistic expression began with biblical messages on public surfaces, evolving into painted signs in his yard that addressed social issues, family values, and government criticisms. Despite his public messages, he maintained a self-imposed isolation, feeling his family was safer within his fenced yard. Light's artistic and religious views were deeply intertwined. He converted to Judaism after hearing Old Testament readings in prison, finding its stern God more fitting than his father's Baptist religion. However, his art heavily incorporated Christian themes of salvation and transformation. He used symbolic imagery, such as cruciform flowers and rivers, to represent temptations and spiritual journeys. His theological stance was unique, blending elements of Judaism and Christianity while rejecting what he perceived as "white man's Christianity. Light's art was influenced by his time selling goods at flea markets, where he encountered a variety of pop culture and everyday objects. He incorporated these items into his paintings, using them as symbolic elements in his personal iconography. His work often featured landscapes and imagery from Western films and postcards, reflecting his view of himself as a pioneer in a hostile world. His art was laden with conflicting mythologies, such as Christianity versus Judaism and cowboy versus Indian, and he positioned himself as a critic of human failings across all groups. Light's art was intended to convey his personal truths, but he was wary of widespread recognition, fearing that his messages would be suppressed. He believed his art redeemed everyday objects and transformed them into tools for spiritual enlightenment. His work included painted narratives on his home, reinterpreted song lyrics, and symbolic self-portraits aimed at both himself and his community. He felt misunderstood and persecuted, believing that his "kind of truth" was unwelcome. He died in 2005. (summarized from "River Deep, Mountain High" by William Arnett from artist's bio on "Souls Grown Deep" website) Provenance: private Rochester, Minnesota, USA collection, acquired from 1990 -1998 All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back. A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids. We ship worldwide and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience. SHIPPING EXCEPTIONS: Due to customs clearance issues, we are unable to ship to Germany, Switzerland and Australia. If you live in Germany, Switzerland or Australia, you will need to provide an alternate shipping destination, or we will not be able to complete your purchase. In addition, please note that we are unable to ship ancient items back to the original country of origin (Egyptian to Egypt, Greek to Greece, etc.) PAYMENT EXCEPTION: Unless a known customer of Artemis, payment for all gold / precious metal / gem lots must be made via Bank Wire Transfer or Certified Bank Check/Money Order, no exceptions. #192924
Artemis Fine Arts
Apr. 19, 2024
Joe Louis Light (American/Tennessee, 1934-2005)
Est: $300 - $500
Joe Louis Light (American/Tennessee, 1934-2005), "Man with Bird", 2002, oil on panel, signed lower right, dated lower left, 24 in. x 17 in., framed, overall 24 1/2 in. x 17 5/8 in. x 1 1/2 in.
Neal Auction Company
Jan. 28, 2024
Joe Light Outsider Art Painting, When You Live in the Ghetto
Est: $300 - $350
Joe Louis Light (Memphis, 1934 - 2005) enamel paint on Masonite outsider art painting depicting two fish, one yellow and one brown, flying beneath a blue cloud and above a stylized landscape with a tree, flower, and bird. Over the image painted text reads: "When you live in the ghetto, you will have to have good common sense to not be brain washed into having a ghetto mind, when you have the ghetto mind evilness becomes your way of life." Signed and dated "Joe Light," and "6/23/92," lower center. Additionally inscribed "Rosie Bee Light," lower right. Housed in a salvaged, plastic faux-wood mirror frame. Sight: 21" W x 37 1/2" H. Frame: 28 1/2" W x 50 1/4" H. Biography: "Joe Light was born in 1934 in Memphis, Tennessee. For most of his youth, Light worked on a farm before enlisting in the United States Army in 1951. He was discharged from the Army after suffering a self-inflicted wound and was later incarcerated on at least two occasions. Light's conversion to Judaism, during his second prison term, changed the course of his life. Possessed by the fervor of a convert, he began making signs, driftwood sculptures, and paintings that expressed his political and spiritual views." (Source: Jenifer P. Borum, Outsider Art Fair)
Case Antiques, Inc. Auctions & Appraisals
Nov. 08, 2023
Joe Light (American, 1934-2005) Flowers
Est: $300 - $600
Joe Light (American, 1934-2005) Flowers, 1999, painting on wood, signed and dated. Size: 22.75'' x 12.75'', 58 x 32 cm (board).
Material Culture
Nov. 08, 2023
Joe Light (American, 1934-2005) Painting
Est: $200 - $400
Joe Light (American, 1934-2005) Painting on cardboard. Size: 18.5'' x 29.5'', 47 x 75 cm.
Material Culture
Jun. 28, 2023
LIGHT, Joe (American, 1934-2005). Portrait of a Man. 1998. ...
Est: $200 - $300
LIGHT, Joe (American, 1934-2005). Portrait of a Man. 1998. Oil on canvas. Signed lower right corner. 29 ½ x 23. Frame: 32 x 25 ½” Artwork and frame are bowed. Good condition.
Potter & Potter Auctions Inc.
Mar. 09, 2023
Joe Light (American, 1934-2005) Outward Appearence is Just Skin, 1992
Est: $500 - $700
Joe Light (American, 1934-2005) Outward Appearence is Just Skin, 1992 mixed media on wood signed Joe Light (lower right) and dated (lower left) 16 x 18 inches. This lot is located in Chicago.
Hindman
Feb. 28, 2023
Joe Light (American, 1934-2005)
Est: $500 - $700
Joe Light (American, 1934-2005), "Fish", paint on panel, signed lower right, signed and inscribed en verso, 6 3/4 in. x 52 in., unframed. Provenance: The Doug and Cathy Gitter Collection. Condition: Overall fair condition.
Neal Auction Company
Dec. 01, 2022
LIGHT, Joe (American, 1934-2005). Untitled. 1996. Paint on ...
Est: $300 - $500
LIGHT, Joe (American, 1934-2005). Untitled. 1996. Paint on plywood. 24 x 20 ¼”. Signed and dated along lower edge. Paint loss at lower right. Provenance: Larry T. Clemons Collection.
Potter & Potter Auctions Inc.
Dec. 01, 2022
LIGHT, Joe (American, 1934-2005). If Right Was Wrong and Wr...
Est: $450 - $600
LIGHT, Joe (American, 1934-2005). If Right Was Wrong and Wrong Was Right There Would be More Peace on Earth. 1993. Paint on plywood. 24 x 24”. Signed and dated along the lower edge. Provenance: Larry T. Clemons Collection.
Potter & Potter Auctions Inc.
Jun. 18, 2022
JOE LIGHT (1934 - 2005)
Est: $1,500 - $3,000
paint on 3/4 wood. Professionally framed to complement the piece. Signed lower right. 21.5" x 32.5"
Ledbetter Auctions
Jun. 18, 2022
JOE LIGHT (1934 - 2005)
Est: $1,500 - $3,000
paint on 3/4 wood. Professionally framed to complement the piece. Signed lower right. Overall size 21.5" x 32.5"
Ledbetter Auctions
Apr. 20, 2021
JOE LIGHT, MOUNTAIN SCENE, O/P.
Est: $300 - $500
Light, Joe Louis (Dyersburg, TN. 1934-2005). Mountain scene with birds. Possibly 4-28-1955. Oil on panel. Signed and dated. 12 1/2" x 30". Shipping: This lot does not qualify for in house shipping. We will provide a list of our preferred shippers. Provenance: From the collection of Betty-Carol Sellen and Martha Burt.
Quinn's Auction Galleries
Apr. 20, 2021
JOE LIGHT, MOUNTAINS AND STREAM, O/P
Est: $600 - $800
Light, Joe Louis (Dyersburg, TN. 1934-2005). Mountain scene with stream of fish. 1-19-1997. Oil on panel. Signed and dated. 11" x 23 1/2". Shipping: This lot does not qualify for in house shipping. We will provide a list of our preferred shippers. Provenance: From the collection of Betty-Carol Sellen and Martha Burt.
Quinn's Auction Galleries
Feb. 07, 2021
Joe Light (American, 1934-2005)
Est: $300 - $500
Joe Light (American, 1934-2005) , "Pardon Me Sir", 1992, oil on panel, signed lower right, dated lower left, titled en verso, 24 in. x 48 in., unframed
Neal Auction Company
Feb. 07, 2021
Joe Light (American, 1934-2005)
Est: $300 - $500
Joe Light (American, 1934-2005) , "Cave", oil on shaped panel, signed lower right, titled en verso, 25 1/2 in. x 53 in., unframed
Neal Auction Company
Jul. 01, 2020
Joe Light, American (1934 - 2005)
Est: $200 - $300
Joe Light, American (1934 - 2005) Artist Proof Color Serigraph "The King, Elvis Presley" Pencil Signed, Titled, and and Marked A/P on Lower Margin. Impressed marks (partially covered by the frame). Measures 17-3/4" H x 12-1/2" W, frame measures 24-3/4" H x 18-3/4" W. Condition: Good condition Estimate: $200.00 - $300.00 Domestic Shipping: $145.00
Kodner Galleries
Jul. 25, 2019
JOE LIGHT FOLK ART OFFSET LITHOGRAPH ELVIS PRELSEY
Est: $30 - $60
Painting by American folk artist Joe Light, who began painting in the 60s, is known for his cruciform flowers, jagged and expressive landscapes and sober versions of pop art. Light's paintings are exhibited in the New Orleans Museum of Art as well as multiple galleries. Lithograph of Light's "Elvis (The King) Presley" painting. Signed, dated and titled in marker. Print is numbered 20/20. Some damage to edges. Measures 25.5 inches by 19 inches.
Affiliated Auctions & Realty LLC
Dec. 05, 2018
Outsider Art - Joe Light (1934 - 2005)
Est: $50 - $500
Oil on canvas "Buck Wheat #5", 1999 SLR Naive portrait 29.5"H x 30"W
Alderfer Auction
Apr. 25, 2018
Joe Light (1934-2005), Bird on man's head, 1994
Est: $600 - $800
Joe Light (1934-2005) Bird on man's head, 1994 Signed, lower right, "Joe Light," and dated, lower left, "7-15-94," oil on wood, framed. 27 in. x 12 3/4 in. (sight) PROVENANCE: The Collection of the late Gloria G. Einbender. Vanity Novelty Garden, Miami Beach, Florida, January 1997.
Freeman's | Hindman
Apr. 22, 2018
Joe Light (1934-2005) "The King"
Est: $100 - $200
Joe Light (1934-2005) "The King", limited edition print, signed and titled. Unframed, stamped. Size: 26'' x 19'', 66 x 48 cm (sheet).
Material Culture
Mar. 22, 2015
Joe Louis Light (American, 1934-2005)
Est: $200 - $400
Joe Louis Light (American, 1934-2005), Untitled,enamel on wood, 4-29-98. Size: 7.5" x 20.5", 19 x 52 cm (board); 9.5" x 22.5", 24 x 57 cm (frame). Provenance: Robert Lewis.
Material Culture
Mar. 22, 2015
Joe Louis Light (American, 1934-2005)
Est: $200 - $400
Joe Louis Light (American, 1934-2005), Untitled (Rooster), enamel on wood panel, 6-22-98. Size: 12" x 19.25", 30 x 49 cm (board); 13.5" x 21", 34 x 53 cm (frame). Provenance: Robert Lewis.
Material Culture
Mar. 22, 2015
Joe Louis Light (American, 1934-2005)
Est: $200 - $400
Joe Louis Light (American, 1934-2005), Untitled (Fish), 5-4-98, paint on board. Size: 17.5" x 19.75", 44 x 50 cm (board); 20.25" x 22.25", 51 x 57 cm (frame). Provenance: Robert Lewis.
Material Culture
Mar. 22, 2015
Joe Louis Light (American, 1934-2005)
Est: $300 - $500
Joe Louis Light (American, 1934-2005), Butterfly, paint on wood panel. Size: 26.75" x 36.25", 68 x 92 cm (board); 29.25" x 39", 74 x 99 cm (frame). Provenance: Robert Lewis.
Material Culture
Mar. 22, 2015
Joe Louis Light (American, 1934-2005)
Est: $200 - $400
Joe Louis Light (American, 1934-2005), ink and crayon on paper, Untitled (Pink Birdman), 11-20-97. Size: 23.75" x 18", 60 x 46 cm (sheet); 27.5" x 21.5", 70 x 55 cm (frame). Provenance: Robert Lewis.
Material Culture
Mar. 22, 2015
Joe Louis Light (American, 1934-2005)
Est: $200 - $400
Joe Louis Light (American, 1934-2005), Green Birdman, 11-25-97, ink and crayon on paper. Size: 23.75" x 18", 60 x 46 cm (sheet); 27.5" x 21.5", 70 x 55 cm (frame). Provenance: Robert Lewis.
Material Culture
Nov. 03, 2013
Joe Light (USA, 1934-2005), Two Message Boards
Est: $100 - $200
Joe Light (USA, 1934-2005), Two Message Boards, painted wood board, signed and dated. 1) "2-19-99" & 2) "1-31-99". Sizes: 5.5" x 30.5" & 5.5" x 38".
Material Culture
Nov. 03, 2013
Joe Light (USA, 1934-2005) Plaque
Est: $200 - $400
Joe Light (USA, 1934-2005), Plaque, 1998, mixed media on wood. Size: 28" x 19".
Material Culture
Nov. 03, 2013
Joe Louis Light (USA,1934-2005), "Red Flower"
Est: $200 - $400
Joe Louis Light (USA,1934-2005), "Red Flower", paint on plywood. Size: 38.5" x 22.5".
Material Culture
Nov. 03, 2011
Joe Louis Light (USA,1934-2005), "Red Flower"
Est: $200 - $400
Joe Louis Light (USA,1934-2005), "Red Flower", paint on plywood. Size: 38.5" x 22.5".
Material Culture
Feb. 23, 2008
1927 LOUIS ICART DRYPOINT ETCHING - MUSETTA
Est: $800 - $1,200
1927 Louis Icart Drypoint Etching- Musetta Light foxing to matte, small crease to top.
Fontaine's Auction Gallery