This year’s selection of the best black art books comprises 12 volumes that are reshaping art history. These books range from scholarly works uncovering significant cultural moments, groundbreaking photography collections, to exhibition catalogs exploring the works of influential artists like Kerry James Marshall and Alma Thomas. Among Culture Type’s top choices is a significant publication by collector Pamela Joyner, whose extensive collection features over 100 African American artists. Joyner aims to redefine art history by collaborating with artists and museum curators, introducing them to new talents and lending artworks from her collection. In total, there are 12 exceptional books highlighting the art and stories of people of African descent this year. Below are the titles in the order of their publication date.
“Stan Douglas: The Secret Agent,” by Stan Douglas, featuring essays by Eric Bruyn, Jason Smith, Dirk Snauwert, and Séamus Kealy (Ludion, 192 pages). | Published on Jan. 26, 2016, in hardcover
1. “Stan Douglas: The Secret Agent”
This captivating book explores three recent projects by Canadian artist Stan Douglas. Through photographs and moving images, Douglas reimagines specific political and cultural moments. One of his works, “The Secret Agent,” transforms Joseph Conrad’s 1907 novel set in London into a narrative set in Lisbon, Portugal, after the 1974 Carnation Revolution. In another piece, “Luanda-Kinshasa,” a six-hour jazz film set in 1974 at CBS 30th Street Studio in New York delves into the rise of a globally conscious black identity and its impact on the city’s music scene. “Disco Angola,” comprising eight historical photographs, juxtaposes the Angolan Civil War with New York’s glamorous disco era of the 1970s. These projects have been showcased in exhibitions, and this volume expertly translates them onto the page with installation views and graphics that re-envision the presentation of “The Secret Agent” across multiple screens. The book includes essays and an original script by Douglas, but the emphasis lies on the extensive collection of full-color images, including film stills and production shots.
“Mounting Frustration: The Art Museum in the Age of Black Power,” by Susan E. Cahan (Duke University Press, 344 pages). | Published on Feb. 19, 2016, in hardcover
2. “Mounting Frustration: The Art Museum in the Age of Black Power”
New York City has a tumultuous history, particularly concerning the integration of its prestigious art museums. The first protests against these institutions occurred in 1968. Susan E. Cahan, a curator, scholar, and dean at Yale College, spent her career researching this book, which is based on numerous interviews with artists such as Benny Andrews, Howardena Pindell, and Faith Ringgold, activists, and museum administrators. She examines this period through key exhibitions, including “Electronic Refractions II” (1968) at the Studio Museum in Harlem, “Harlem on My Mind” (1969) at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, “Contemporary Black Artists in America” (1971) at the Whitney Museum of American Art, “Romare Bearden: The Prevalence of Ritual” (1971), and “The Sculpture of Richard Hunt” (1971) at the Museum of Modern Art.
“This book delves into the time when museums had to address artists’ calls for justice and equality. What strategies did African American artists utilize to gain access to these institutions, and how did museum professionals respond as power struggles unfolded between the establishment and activists? How did museums try to democratize? What actions succeeded or failed? And why, even after five decades, do major museums still face similar challenges, with many believing that mere token representation equates to institutional transformation?” – Mounting Frustration
**Top 12 Black Art Books of 2016**
1. “Carrie Mae Weems: Kitchen Table Series”
Carrie Mae Weems created The Kitchen Table Series in 1990, showcasing important themes of domestic life, women’s roles, and relationships within families. The series delves into gender dynamics and power dynamics within the context of a family, with Weems embodying a pivotal female archetype. This book presents all 20 images and 14 text panels from the series for the first time, with each element given its own page. Curators Sarah Lewis and Adrienne Edwards provide essays that introduce and analyze the work.
2. “Kerry James Marshall: Mastry”
Chicago artist Kerry James Marshall aims to reshape the art historical narrative by incorporating black narratives and figures. This definitive monograph coincides with Marshall’s acclaimed exhibition “Kerry James Marshall: Mastry.” The book features over 100 illustrations of Marshall’s paintings spanning his 35-year career, including portraits, landscapes, interiors, and comics. Contributions from curators and scholars accompany the images, highlighting the significance of Marshall’s work in art history.
3. “Invisible Man: Gordon Parks and Ralph Ellison in Harlem”
Written by Michal Raz-Russo, this book explores the collaboration between photographer Gordon Parks and writer Ralph Ellison in Harlem. Through contributions from various scholars, the publication showcases a unique perspective on the intersection of visual art and literature in Harlem during a significant era. The hardcover edition offers a comprehensive look at this artistic partnership.
These books offer valuable insights into the diverse and impactful works of black artists, providing readers with an opportunity to engage with their powerful narratives and artistic contributions.5. “The Collaboration of Gordon Parks and Ralph Ellison in Harlem”
Photographer Gordon Parks and author Ralph Ellison worked together on two projects featuring Harlem, which are showcased for the first time in this book. The first project, “Harlem Is Nowhere” (1948), focused on New York’s first integrated psychiatric clinic, while the second, “A Man Becomes Invisible,” was featured in Life magazine in 1952, shortly after the release of Ellison’s novel “Invisible Man.” The foreword of the book emphasizes the fusion of photography and writing in the pursuit of social change. The book, inspired by an exhibition at the Art Institute of Chicago, presents Parks’s black and white photographs with narrative captions, Ellison’s manuscript for “Harlem is Nowhere” with handwritten edits, and the layout pages for “A Man Becomes Invisible” as they were published in Life magazine.
“African Catwalk,” a photographic collection by Per-Anders Pettersson, with contributions from Stella Jean, Simone Cipriani, Alessia Glaviano, and Allana Finley (Kehrer Verlag, 168 pages). | First published on Aug. 9, 2016, in hardcover
6. “African Catwalk”
The rise of social media has opened up the world of high fashion to a broader audience. The book captures the essence of fashion runways in Africa from 2010 to 2015, showcasing images by Per-Anders Pettersson, a photographer based in Cape Town, South Africa. This visual masterpiece documents fashion shows in 16 African countries, offering a unique perspective on the vibrant African fashion scene. Pettersson’s photographs go beyond showcasing the fashion trends to highlight the models and the intricate designs they wear. The play of light in the images accentuates the colors and textures of the fabrics, creating striking visual narratives. From close-ups of details to wide shots of runway moments, the book presents a comprehensive view of African fashion.
“His photography captures the essence of African fashion’s defiance and individuality. ‘African Catwalk’ showcases how African designers challenge global fashion norms, emphasizing authenticity and originality in their creations targeted for a worldwide audience.”
— Allana Finley, African Catwalk
Four Generations: The Joyner Giuffrida Collection of Abstract Art, edited by Courtney J. Martin, with an introduction by Mary Schmidt Campbell, and contributions including Christopher Bedford and Joost Bosland (Gregory R. Miller & Co, 384 pages). | Published Sept. 27, 2016, hardcover
7. Exploring “Four Generations: The Joyner Giuffrida Collection of Abstract Art”
Diving into the realm of Abstraction, the Joyner Giuffrida Collection showcases over 300 artworks by nearly 100 African American and African diaspora artists. From well-known names like Sam Gilliam and Mark Bradford to emerging talents like Lynette Yiadom-Boakye and Robin Rhode, the collection offers a rich tapestry of artistic expressions. This comprehensive volume provides full-color images of the collection and delves into the artistic journeys of each creator. With a foreword by Mary Schmidt Campbell and contributions from leading scholars and curators, the book goes beyond the art itself to explore the dialogues and connections between artists. Through salon sessions, interviews, and insightful essays, the book offers a deep dive into the vibrant world of abstract art and the diverse voices shaping it.
“My collection focuses on painting, formalism, and abstraction, reflecting my admiration for aesthetics and artistic innovation. ‘Four Generations’ celebrates the creativity and diversity of African and African American artists, illuminating their unique perspectives in the art world.”
The preference for creating abstract art over representational work among African American artists in the twentieth century was shaped by societal expectations and the lack of support from both the mainstream art world and the African American community.
“Whitfield Lovell: Kin,” with contributions by Sarah Lewis, Julie L McGee, Klaus Ottmann and Elsa Smithgall, and an introduction by Irving Sandler (Skira Rizzoli, 224 pages). | Published Oct. 4, 2016, hardcover
8. “Whitfield Lovell: Kin”
Whitfield Lovell’s art is centered around portraying anonymous African Americans using vintage photographs, delving into the black experience through history and memory. His recent exhibitions at the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture and the Phillips Collection have garnered attention for his work. Lovell creates portraits based on old photos from the post-Emancipation to the modern Civil Rights era and often combines them with found objects to create narrative scenes. This book coincides with his exhibition at the Phillips Collection and showcases his renowned “Kin” series, with contributions from Elsa Smithgall and Sarah Lewis.
“Power to the People: The World of the Black Panthers,” by Stephen Shames and Bobby Seale, with photographs by Stephen Shames (Harry N. Abrams, 256 pages). | Published Oct. 18, 2016, hardcover
9. “Power to the People: The World of the Black Panthers”
To commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Black Panther Party’s founding, a book was released celebrating the organization’s fight for racial justice, social programs, and self-defense against police brutality. The book includes personal accounts from co-founder Bobby Seale and a collection of potent documentary photos by Stephen Shames. Incorporating vibrant design elements and firsthand narratives from key figures like Kathleen Cleaver and Emory Douglas, the book sheds light on the Panthers’ programs, campaigns, and principles, emphasizing their vision for a better future.
“Bobby and I wrote this book with the future in mind. We believe that a look back at the role of the Black Panther Party during the turbulent 1960s will help us to better understand the present, and perhaps facilitate a brighter future.” — Stephen Shames, Power to the People
“The Ecstasy of St. Kara,” by Kara Walker, with contributions by Reto Thüring and Beau Rutland, John Lansdowne, Tracy K. Smith, and photographs by Ari Marcopoulos (Cleveland Museum of Art, 79 pages). |
Published Oct. 18, 2016, softcover
10. “The Ecstasy of St. Kara”
“The Ecstasy of St. Kara” delves into America’s history of racism and subjugation, issues prevalent in Kara Walker’s work. These drawings explore a broader narrative, considering the role of religion and envisioning a direct connection from past injustices to current challenges and police brutality that have sparked the Black Lives Matter movement. The exhibition’s title alludes to “The Ecstasy of Saint Teresa,” a set of sculptures in a chapel in Rome. Walker produced this work during her time in the city. This catalog, released alongside the artist’s current show at the Cleveland Museum of Art, is a piece of art and captivating design in itself. It features generous images of the exhibition works within sturdy kraft board covers, both framed and in detail. The book opens and closes with multiple spreads of Walker’s drawings, complemented by brief writings from the artist and curators.
“This collection of graphite and charcoal works, completed in a three-week burst in spring 2016, reflects my ongoing contemplations on figuration—beyond everything else. They are connected to how narratives of faith function and the profound impact religion has had on the colonization and enslavement of black people.” — Kara Walker, The Ecstasy of St. Kara
“1971: A Year in the Life of Color,” by Darby English (University of Chicago Press, 286 pages). |
Published Dec. 20, 2016, hardcover
11. “1971: A Year in the Life of Color”
About fifty years ago, a movement emerged to empower black artists and those who studied their work within New York City’s major museums. Following this, African American artists sought freedom of expression “from overt racial presentation,” focusing on color and abstraction. In this detailed study, art historian Darby English from the University of Chicago delves into this modern shift by closely examining two pivotal U.S. exhibitions: “Contemporary Black Artists in America” (1971) at the Whitney Museum of American Art, and “The DeLuxe Show” held in a former movie theater in a Houston neighborhood. The latter featured a diverse group of artists and was supported by the founders of the Menil Collection. Illustrated with documentary photos and full-color art images, the book is rich with footnotes, showcasing the author’s thorough research for those wanting a deeper understanding.
“Certain that ‘no serious black artist today would accept being included in an exclusively black show’ and that his exhibitions would need to feature nonblack artists as well, artist and dealer Peter Bradley proposed an inclusive vision. According to Bradley, ‘This selection breaks down the barriers that create this theory of black and white shows. The DeLuxe Show marks the first time that talented black artists share the spotlight with talented non-black artists.’” — 1971: A Year in the Life of Color
“Alma Thomas,” edited by Ian Berry and Lauren Haynes (Prestel, 256 pages) |
Published Dec. 22, 2016, in hardcover
12. “Alma Thomas”
Alma Thomas (1891-1978) would have admired the beauty of this red, cloth-covered monograph. Co-edited by Ian Berry and Lauren Haynes, this fully illustrated catalog accompanies the first significant museum exhibition of her work in twenty years. The exhibition took place at the Frances Young Tang Teaching Museum at Skidmore College and the Studio Museum in Harlem. This book goes beyond the exhibit, providing an almost encyclopedic overview of Thomas’s work, showcasing over 125 vibrant, colorful paintings and works on paper, many of which are being published for the first time. The book also includes preliminary sketches alongside the final paintings they inspired. The 256-page publication starts with a preface by Thelma Golden and includes scholarly essays by Haynes, Nikki A. Greene, and Bridget R. Cooks, as well as specially commissioned artworks by contemporary artists Leslie Hewitt, Jennie C. Jones, Leslie Wayne, and Saya Woolfalk that respond to Thomas’s legacy.
READ CULTURE TALK about the Alma Thomas catalog with Ian Berry, Director of the Tang Teaching Museum
