Several noteworthy art books were released in 2017, shedding light on both historical and contemporary perspectives. Publications like “We Wanted a Revolution: Black Radical Women 1965-85,” “Soul of a Nation: Art in the Age of Black Power,” and “South of Pico: African American Artists in Los Angeles in the 1960s and 1970s” explore the Black Arts Movement and the artists who shaped it, influencing present-day creatives like Nina Chanel Abney, Mark Bradford, and Adam Pendleton. These books celebrate the cultural heritage of African descent individuals and the impact they have made. Here are the top picks selected by Culture Type, listed in order of publication date.
“Betye Saar: Easy Dancer,” Edited by Mario Mainetti, Chiara Costa, Elvira Dyangani Ose, with a foreword by Miuccia Prada, Patrizio Bertelli, and contributions by Richard J. Powell, Deborah Willis, and Kellie Jones (Fondazione Prada, 320 pages). | Published Feb. 28, 2017
1. Betye Saar: Easy Dancer
This catalog, spanning over 300 pages, provides an in-depth look at Betye Saar’s career and her exhibition “Uneasy Dancer” at the Prada Foundation in 2016. The volume features writings by Richard Powell, Deborah Willis, and Kellie Jones, along with a detailed timeline of Saar’s life and work. With rich illustrations and a unique binding, this publication offers a comprehensive exploration of Saar’s artistic journey from 1926 to 2016. Another related catalog, “Betye Saar: Still Tickin’,” was also released, showcasing Saar’s work and conversations with Sara Cochran, among other features.
“South of Pico: African American Artists in Los Angeles in the 1960s and 1970s,” by Kellie Jones (Duke University Press, 416 pages). | April 7, 2017
2. South of Pico: African American Artists in Los Angeles in the 1960s and 1970s
Author Kellie Jones, a curator and art history professor, presents the stories of African American artists who rose to prominence in Los Angeles during the 1960s and 1970s. Through her book “South of Pico,” Jones explores the artistic landscape influenced by events like the Watts Rebellion, artist-run galleries, and the innovative practices of key figures like David Hammons and Betye Saar. This scholarly work provides insights into the transformative period that shaped the work of influential artists from the Black Arts Movement, offering a compelling narrative of their contributions and accomplishments.
“We Wanted a Revolution: Black Radical Women, 1965-85: A Sourcebook,” Edited by Catherine Morris and Rujeko Hockley (Duke University Press, 320 pages). | Published April 21, 2017, paperback
3. We Wanted a Revolution: Black Radical Women, 1965-85: A Sourcebook
The exhibition “We Wanted a Revolution” delves into the experiences and viewpoints of women of color during the rise of second-wave feminism. Featuring art by Emma Amos, Jeff Donaldson, Jae Jarrell, Wadsworth Jarrell, and more, the show showcases a diverse group of artists who merged art with activism and social change. The volume serves as a valuable reference, including key documents and writings from the period and offering context through writings by curators and artists involved in the exhibition. The book opens with words from Audre Lorde and concludes with a tribute to artist Beverly Buchanan (1940-2015) by Alice Walker.
“Alice Neel: Uptown,” by Hilton Als, with a foreword by Jeremy Lewison (David Zwirner Books/Victoria Miro, 144 pages). | Published May 23, 2017
4. Alice Neel: Uptown
Curated by Hilton Als, the exhibition “Alice Neel: Uptown” showcases over 30 portraits by Alice Neel that highlight her portrayal of people of color. Neel, known for her precise and expressive portraiture, captured the essence and complexity of her subjects through her use of color and brushstrokes. The catalog includes backstories and insights provided by Als, offering a deeper understanding of the sitters depicted in the paintings, many of whom were influential figures within the community.
“Nina Chanel Abney: Royal Flush,” Edited by Marshall N. Price (Duke University Press, 124 pages). | Published May 26, 2017
5. Nina Chanel Abney: Royal Flush
It has been a significant year for the talented Nina Chanel Abney, an emerging artist recognized for her thought-provoking, politically infused artwork that captures the intricacies of modern society. In 2017, she showcased her premier solo museum exhibition at the Nasher Museum of Art at Duke University and is currently exhibiting at Jack Shainman Gallery and Mary Boone Gallery in New York. This catalog, a milestone publication, chronicles the Nasher exhibition, a comprehensive 10-year retrospective journey through her evolving artistic style, shifting from a more traditional painterly technique to a bold and expressive approach blending figuration and abstraction with a vivid palette of colors, symbols, and meanings. This book features vibrant, full-color images of her paintings and includes a preface by Richard Powell, writings by Marshall N. Price and Natalie Y. Moore, and a captivating dialogue between Abney and curator Jamillah James of ICA Los Angeles.
“Nina Chanel Abney’s paintings’ harmonious disorder is influenced by a wide spectrum of art history and cultural inspirations. Infusing the dynamism of Picasso, the impactful narrative of Robert Colescott, and a poignant fusion of pop culture and socio-political commentary, her works showcase figures with intriguing and detailed features. her enigmatic style emerges through cryptic text interludes and fragmented bodies with mismatched parts, presenting a contemporary twist on surrealist practices of chance poetry and the exquisite corpse, now adapted for the digital era.”
— Jamillah James, Nina Chanel Abney: Royal Flush
“Kerry James Marshall,” by Greg Tate, Charles Gaines, and Laurence Rassel (Phaidon Press, 160 pages). | Published June 12, 2017
6. Kerry James Marshall
Celebrating Kerry James Marshall’s illustrious career, Phaidon’s new release highlights the acclaim surrounding the three-location exhibition of “Mastry”, a comprehensive 30-year retrospective of the artist’s work along with an accompanying catalog. This book showcases early and recent artworks, including the 1991 piece “Blue Water Silver Moon (Mermaid)” which is extensively discussed in an essay by Laurence Rassel. The publication also features an engaging conversation between Marshall and Los Angeles artist Charles Gaines, an essay by Greg Tate delving into the artist’s portrayal of figures named “Marvellously Black Familiars”, and a timeline illustrated with catalogs and brochures from Marshall’s exhibitions over the years.
“Mark Bradford: Tomorrow is Another Day,” Edited by Christopher Bedford and Katy Siegel, with contributions by Peter James Hudson, Anita Hill, Sarah Lewis, Katy Siegel, Zadie Smith, James Baldwin, W.E.B. Du Bois (Gregory R. Miller & Co., 230 pages). | Published June 27, 2017
7. Mark Bradford: Tomorrow is Another Day
When showcasing the innovativeness of Mark Bradford, “Tomorrow is Another Day” offers insights and reflections of the astounding artist’s practice, accompanied by contributions from various notable figures. The book presents a collaborative effort by Christopher Bedford and Katy Siegel, featuring writings by Peter James Hudson, Anita Hill, Sarah Lewis, Zadie Smith, and insightful pieces by renowned authors James Baldwin and W.E.B. Du Bois among others, making it a compelling exploration and tribute to Bradford’s artistic journey.
At the 2017 Venice Biennial, Mark Bradford represented the United States and viewed this honor as both personally significant and nationally important. He worked on his exhibition in his Los Angeles studio, displaying paintings, sculptures, and videos that echoed his unique voice, bridged the gap between artist and everyday individuals, and highlighted the social and cultural impact of art, especially in the current historic and political context. The catalog accompanying the exhibition documents this ambitious project. It features a comprehensive collection of insightful words from James Baldwin and W.E.B. Du Bois, along with contributions from Anita F. Hill on the intersection of law, policy, art, and injustice; Sarah Lewis on the art of productive dissent; and Zadie Smith on Bradford’s video “Niagara” and the broader significance of personal style and confidence. The catalog also includes childhood photos of Bradford, an in-depth interview with the artist by curator Christopher Bedford, and a section with colorful images of the exhibition works and installations.
In a separate publication, “Terry Adkins: Recital,” pays tribute to the multidisciplinary artist Terry Adkins (1953-2014), who expressed himself through music, sculpture, installations, and performance. The catalog, curated by Ian Berry, showcases Adkins’s work through lavish illustrations and written contributions by various artists and scholars, including Charles Gaines, Lauren Haynes, Adrienne Edwards, and George E. Lewis. The volume also includes an archive of writings about Adkins, interviews conducted by Berry and Okwui Enwezor, and a heartfelt postscript from Merele Williams Adkins, the artist’s widow.
Devin Allen’s “A Beautiful Ghetto” captures the Baltimore protests following the 2015 police killing of Freddie Gray. His powerful photographs depicting the realities of race, poverty, and the strained relationship between the police and the community garnered widespread attention and accolades. The publication contains Allen’s documentary images of the protests and intimate portraits of daily life in the city, accompanied by contributions from D. Watkins, Keeanga-Yamahtta Taylor, Wes Moore, and others, providing context and framing the narrative surrounding the events.
Exploring Black Art Books: Understanding and Appreciating Art in the African American Community
Art has always been a powerful medium for expressing culture, identity, and history. In recent years, there has been a growing interest in black art books that highlight the work of African American artists and the unique contributions they have made to the art world. These books not only showcase the talent and creativity of black artists but also provide valuable insights into the social and political context in which their work was created.
One such notable book is “Soul of a Nation: Art in the Age of Black Power.” This book, edited by Mark Godfrey and Zoé Whitley, delves into the art created between 1963-1983, a period marked by significant social change in the United States. It features the work of more than 60 artists who grappled with the complexities of art, politics, and identity during that turbulent time. The book explores how these artists sought to reflect their experiences and address issues of race in America through their art.
The book also sheds light on the collective efforts of artists who came together to form groups such as Spiral and AfriCOBRA, highlighting the power of collaboration and unity in the face of adversity. Through a combination of documentary photographs, full-color images of artwork, and insightful writings by the curators, readers are taken on a visual journey through a defining period in American art history.
“Soul of a Nation” was chosen as the exhibition title to emphasize the integral role of African American artists in shaping the cultural landscape of America. Their contributions are an indelible part of the nation’s artistic heritage, and the story of art in America would be incomplete without acknowledging the impact of Black American artists.”
Another compelling book is “Adam Pendleton: Black Dada Reader,” which focuses on the conceptual art practice of Adam Pendleton. His work, which spans across various mediums, including painting, sculpture, printmaking, and performance, is deeply rooted in intellectual exploration. Pendleton’s concept of Black Dada serves as a platform for articulating a broad view of blackness, drawing on the wisdom of cultural icons and artistic visionaries.
Through the “Black Dada Reader,” Pendleton brings together a diverse range of voices, including historical figures like W.E.B. Du Bois and contemporary artists like Adrian Piper, to engage in a dialogue about race, identity, and artistic expression. The book invites readers to explore the intersections of language, history, and abstraction in the context of black art, challenging conventional notions and expanding the boundaries of artistic discourse.
These black art books not only celebrate the richness and diversity of African American art but also invite readers to reflect on the social, political, and cultural forces that shape artistic expression. By engaging with these books, readers can gain a deeper appreciation for the profound impact of black artists on the art world and society at large.
“Magnetic Fields: Expanding American Abstraction, 1960s to Today,” Edited by Erin Dziedzic and Melissa Messina, with text by Valerie Cassel Oliver, Lowery Stokes Sims, et al. (Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art, 144 pages). | Published Oct. 24, 2017
12. Magnetic Fields: Expanding American Abstraction, 1960s to Today
Highlighted as the first extensive exploration of Black women artists working in abstraction, “Magnetic Fields” showcases the creations of 21 artists across four generations from 1891 to 1981. This exhibit at the National Museum of Women in the Arts in Washington, D.C., running until Jan. 21, 2018, places their work in conversation with each other and within the broader history of abstraction. The catalog, featuring contributions from Lowery Stokes Sims and Valerie Cassel Oliver, also includes insights from other curators on individual artists such as Mavis Pusey, Maren Hassinger, Chakaia Booker, Lilian Thomas Burwell, and Sylvia Snowden. Mildred Thompson’s painting graces the cover, encapsulating the exhibit’s essence. Although the visual design of the volume may not be groundbreaking, its documentation of this significant exhibition is paramount. Sims discusses the positioning of Black abstraction within social and political contexts, highlighting the evolving recognition of Black abstract artists on their own artistic merit.
“Frank Bowling: Mappa Mundi,” Edited by Okwui Enwezor, with contributions from Frank Bowling, Kobena Mercer, Anna Schneider, and Zoe Whitley (Prestel, 256 pages). | Published Nov. 7, 2017
13. Frank Bowling: Mappa Mundi
Under the curation of Okwui Enwezor and Anna Schneider, “Frank Bowling: Mappa Mundi” is currently on display at Haus der Kunst in Munich until Jan. 7, 2018. This comprehensive exhibition features never-before-seen large-scale paintings, focusing on the artist’s monumental “map paintings” from 1967 to 1971, first showcased at the Whitney Museum of American Art. The catalog is enveloped by his 1970 masterpiece “Middle Passage.” Enwezor introduces the catalog by emphasizing the artist’s impactful “modulated color abstraction,” lauding it as remarkable postwar British art. The publication includes contributions from Tate Curator Zoe Whitley, artist Lynette Yiadom Boakye, correspondence between Bowling and critic Clement Goldberg, a selection of Bowling’s writings from 1969 to 1993, and vivid illustrations of the exhibited works spanning from 1960 to 2015.
“Malick Sidibé: Mali Twist,” with text by André Magnin, Brigitte Ollier, Manthia Diawara, Robert Storr (Fondation Cartier Pour L’Art Contemporain/Editions Xavier Barral, 296 pages). | Nov. 28, 2017
14. Malick Sidibé: Mali Twist
Renowned photographer Malick Sidibé captured the vibrant youth culture of Bamako, Mali, in the 1950s, 60s, and 70s. An exhibition catalog titled “Malick Sidibé: Mali Twist” showcases his work at the Fondation Cartier pour l’art contemporainin in Paris until February 2018. The catalog features a rich collection of formal portraits and candid photographs spanning his entire career. It includes scholarly writings by André Magnin, Brigitte Ollier, Manthia Diawara, and Robert Storr. Sidibé also shares his personal journey into photography in an essay. Originally published in 1998, the essay was updated for this release. The catalog also offers a special treat: reproductions of folders from Sidibé’s archive showcasing party images from 1963-1974, complete with his handwritten notes and labels. CT
“Malick Sidibé was not just a ‘popular’ photographer, but someone deeply rooted in his environment. His work combined commissioned portraiture with his own documentary photography of the daily life in Bamako. Alongside Seydou Keita, Sidibé captured the essence of urban African life during that crucial postcolonial era. Together, they offered a unique perspective on that period in history through their iconic works in photography.” — Robert Storr, Malick Sidibé: Mali Twist
