HOWARD FINSTER

Howard Finster (1916-2001) claims to have had his first vision at the age of three. Inspired by the word of God, visitations from the dead, and religious visions, Finster has described himself as a stranger from another world and a divine messenger. His mission: to save the world with his art. With such titles as "American Devils Are Very Friendly" and "Judge No Man by Yourself," Finster's obsessive paintings, constructions, and sculptures have been exhibited all over the world, from Los Angeles to SoHo to the Venice Biennale. The text, transcribed from hundreds of hours of taped interviews, is at once disturbing and fascinating.