A Movement in Every Direction: Legacies of the Great Migration

Contemporary artists and writers explore the Great Migration and its impact on Black experience in America, featuring immersive photography and essays. The exhibition is scheduled to be held at various museums across the country.

Format: Hardback
Length: 152 pages
Publication date: 27 September 2022
Publisher: Yale University Press

The Great Migration, a pivotal period in American history, witnessed the departure of over six million African Americans from the Southern region between 1915 and 1970. This massive relocation not only reshaped the lives of these individuals but also left an indelible mark on Black culture and society as a whole. In a fresh and insightful approach, this comprehensive volume showcases captivating photography of newly commissioned artworks created by renowned artists such as Akea, Mark Bradford, Zoë Charlton, Larry W. Cook, Torkwase Dyson, Theaster Gates Jr., Allison Janae Hamilton, Leslie Hewitt, Steffani Jemison, Robert Pruitt, Jamea Richmond-Edwards, and Carrie Mae Weems. These artists delve into their familial connections to the Deep South, exploring themes of perseverance, self-determination, and self-reliance. Through their artistic lens, they contemplate how this rich history influences their artistic practices.

In addition to the visual narrative, this publication includes thought-provoking essays by Kiese Laymon, Jessica Lynne, Sharifa Rhodes-Pitts, and Willie Jamaal Wright. These essays examine the enduring impact of the Great Migration in both public and private spheres, exploring its historical and political dimensions, as well as its potential for reclaiming agency.

This remarkable project is brought to life in collaboration with the Baltimore Museum of Art and the Mississippi Museum of Art. The exhibition schedule for this captivating exhibition spans multiple venues, including the Mississippi Museum of Art in Jackson, the Baltimore Museum of Art, the Brooklyn Museum, the California African American Museum in Los Angeles, and the California African American Museum in Los Angeles.

The Great Migration continues to be a powerful and resonant theme, shedding light on the complex and multifaceted experiences of Black Americans and shaping our understanding of American history and culture. This exhibition offers a unique opportunity to explore the legacy of the Great Migration and its profound impact on the world.

Dimension: 267 x 200 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780300265736