This original splatter painting by Charles Manson is a vivid example of outsider art created during his incarceration. Known primarily as the leader of the Manson Family and for his connection to the 1969 Tate-LaBianca murders, Manson also produced a body of artwork that has become a documented part of true crime and prison art history.
The composition features bold cobalt blue splashes layered over swirling tones of pink, coral, lavender, and muted green. Energetic paint drips and scattered splatters create movement across the canvas, while bird-like silhouettes appear suspended in motion. The dynamic color contrasts and expressive technique reflect the spontaneous, raw style often associated with prison art and outsider expressionism.
Hand-signed in the lower right corner, this piece represents a collectible artifact within the niche category of authenticated true crime artwork and murderabilia. Original Charles Manson paintings are sought after by collectors of criminal history memorabilia, outsider art, and rare prison-created works.
COA included
Charles Milles Manson (November 12, 1934 – November 19, 2017) was an American criminal and cult leader who orchestrated a series of murders carried out by members of his so-called “Manson Family” in California in 1969. Though Manson did not personally commit the killings, he directed his followers to murder prominent individuals as part of his apocalyptic vision, which he called “Helter Skelter,” inspired by his interpretation of a Beatles song.
The most infamous of these crimes was the Tate–LaBianca murders, which claimed the lives of actress Sharon Tate and six others. Manson and several followers were convicted of first-degree murder and conspiracy to commit murder in 1971. Sentenced to death, his sentence was later commuted to life imprisonment after the California Supreme Court invalidated the death penalty in 1972. Manson remained incarcerated until his death in 2017. His case remains emblematic of the dark side of the 1960s counterculture and the dangers of cult manipulation.
