Can the art of a convicted murderer truly hold value, or is its worth forever tainted by the deeds of its creator? The disturbing legacy of Charles Manson continues to fascinate, and his artwork, a complex tapestry of the macabre and the mundane, provides a chilling window into his psyche and a disturbing reflection of the society that birthed him.

The name Charles Manson conjures images of a twisted cult leader, a mastermind behind heinous crimes that shook the core of American society. However, beyond the headlines of the Tate-LaBianca murders, a different narrative emerges: the story of an artist. A prolific creator, Manson produced various forms of art during his decades behind bars. Rare Manson artwork from the 80s, handmade string art dolls, signed artworks, and paintings all stand as unsettling testaments to his creative output. These pieces, often imbued with symbolism and a certain unsettling charm, have become sought-after collectibles, sparking debates about their ethical value and the nature of art itself.

Category	Details
Full Name	Charles Milles Manson
Born	November 12, 1934, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
Died	November 19, 2017 (aged 83), Bakersfield, California, USA
Known For	Leader of the Manson Family cult; orchestrator of the Tate-LaBianca murders.
Criminal Activities	Murder, conspiracy to commit murder, racketeering
Artistic Mediums	Painting, drawing, string art, songwriting
Prison Locations	Various correctional facilities, including San Quentin State Prison and Corcoran State Prison
Associates	Susan Atkins, Patricia Krenwinkel, Leslie Van Houten, Lynette "Squeaky" Fromme, Kenneth Como, Ryan Almighty
Noteworthy Artifacts	Original signed artworks, handmade string art, Rolling Stone Magazine (1970), trading cards
Legacy	Infamous symbol of evil; subject of numerous books, documentaries, and films
Reference	Biography.com

The market for Manson's art is a complex one. "Shop art.com for the best selection of Charles Manson art prints wall art online," beckons one online retailer. "Low price guarantee, fast shipping & easy returns, and custom framing options on all prints" sweeten the deal. These works, ranging from "an original signed artwork signed by serial killer Charles Manson, on heavy paper stock, approximately 5 7/8 x 9 in size" to handmade string art, are offered to collectors, often with accompanying certificates of authenticity. The "Universal autograph collector's club registered dealer no. 036, pages of history, provides a lifetime guarantee of authenticity" for some pieces, assuring buyers of their provenance. But does the guarantee of authenticity justify the purchase, or does it simply legitimize the commodification of evil?

The allure of owning a piece of history, even a dark chapter, is undeniable. "During his 1970 trial, serial killer Charles Manson leapt up from his seat and tried to stab the presiding judge with a pencil," a moment etched into the annals of American courtroom history. This, coupled with the fact that Manson's image and artwork frequently appear in the media, keeps the demand for related memorabilia alive. "Rolling Stone magazine from 1970" which contain "a massive spread of articles which cover a huge span of Mansons history, the family, and so much more", are highly sought after.

The story of Kenneth Como, a Charles Manson associate and a member of the Aryan Brotherhood, offers another angle. Como, after escaping jail, was called upon by Manson to testify in an attempt to help him escape. Como's subsequent actions, including jumping out of a 13th-story window, highlight the intricate web of connections and loyalties surrounding Manson. Similarly, the presence of Sandra Good, a Manson disciple, arriving at various locations provides another layer to the narrative of the Manson family.

Artistic expression in the confines of prison is a recurring theme. "Art helps the prisoner become more humane and authentic by allowing them to open up and express feelings that they can't vocalize." The fact that "Charles Manson was a prolific artist working in various mediums during his 50+ plus years in prison" brings another dimension to the discussion, it also reinforces how art can be subjective and the views of artists and viewers can be drastically different. However, this sentiment raises questions about the motivations behind Manson's art. Was it a genuine attempt at self-expression, or a calculated effort to manipulate and control, even from behind bars?

The act of creating art can offer prisoners a means of coping with their confinement, an escape from the harsh realities of their existence. "Twenty plus years ago Ryan Almighty formed a friendship with Charles Manson". Upon learning of Manson's failing health, Almighty decided to create a human blood portrait to commemorate him. "When Manson passed away in 2017, Almighty acquired some of the old man's ashes and did a series of memorial paintings" aiming to create relics. This illustrates a complex relationship between artist and subject, raising questions about the ethics of creating such tributes to a convicted murderer. "Manson has painted a man and a sun on the top, a variation of his signature." This shows the consistency of Manson's motifs over time, demonstrating how his work could be classified.

The subject matter of Manson's artwork is often symbolic and disturbing. "Charles Manson handmade string art scorpion approximately 4 1/2 x 4 1/2 and 9 1/2 when stretched out," reveals his use of various motifs. The same can be said of his spider string art, where the work is "hand painted on both sides and hand signed on the bottom, Charles Manson." The "Charles Manson voodoo doll string art handmade by Manson while he was at San Quentin State Prison," signifies his use of symbolic imagery. This, combined with the inclusion of "Manson leaping at judge Charles H," a depiction of the most dramatic moments in the courtroom, shows that his works are imbued with a particular resonance and a sense of dark artistry.

The focus on Manson's art is not limited to individual pieces. "Choose your favorite Charles Manson paintings from 45 available designs." Some people are fascinated by the "crazed serial killer" and are particularly interested in his works. There is no doubt that "the artists here have done a fantastic job capturing the deranged look he has in his eyes and the various colors that each of them uses also help drive home the idea that this is the look of an unhinged man." While the style of art is subjective, it cannot be denied that art from Charles Manson is a valuable commodity.

The debate extends to the wider cultural impact of Manson and his work. "Charles Manson the notorious cult leader convicted of orchestrating a string of L.A. murders, including actress Sharon Tates, in 1969 has been dead for two years." This is reflected in the numerous exhibitions dedicated to his art, some of which use interactive technologies. "An interactive video station lets visitors see the drawings as they were used in news broadcasts," bringing a chilling perspective. Furthermore, the existence of "Charles Manson 1994 crime and criminals trading card" and "Sharon Tate grave 1993 trading card mother productions" proves that the commodification of Manson's legacy reaches all facets of popular culture.

The legacy of Manson, a man who "is one of the most famous criminals of the twentieth century," is complex and disturbing. While some might argue against the display of Manson's works, others feel that it is important to remember the past so that it is not repeated. "Art has no labels, though, and what better way to express edginess than with prints that show Manson's mug shot or, better yet, how artists envision the evil behind the man." The ongoing controversy surrounding Manson's art serves as a reminder of the fragility of human nature and the enduring power of art, even in the darkest of circumstances.

The value of this art in the context of "rare Manson artwork from the 80's" extends beyond its monetary worth. It is connected to the broader debate of the artist, the art, and how they are separate. The enduring questions linger: Can art ever be truly separated from its creator? Does the heinous nature of Manson's crimes invalidate the artistic merit of his creations? Or does the very fact of their origin make them all the more compelling, a stark reminder of the darkness that can lurk within the human soul?

Charles Manson's Never Seen Artwork Goes on Display in L.A.

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