Black Africa and the US Art World in the Early 20th Century: Aesthetics, White Supremacy

This book explores the critical connections between Black African objects and white Western aesthetics and artwork in the United States from the late 1800s until 1939, analyzing how scholars use the objects to reinforce narratives of "primitive" Black Africa and civilized, advanced white Europe and the United States.

Format: Hardback
Length: 276 pages
Publication date: 09 January 2024
Publisher: Anthem Press

This captivating book delves into a profound exploration of the intricate relationships between Black African objects and white Western aesthetics and artwork in the United States from the late 1800s to 1939. Drawing upon a wealth of primary source materials and diverse scholarship spanning philosophy, history, sociology, anthropology, museum studies, art history, cultural studies, and more, the book offers a comprehensive analysis of the underlying threads of white supremacy that permeated early scholarship and interpretations of Black African objects within the United States. It sheds light on how scholars have employed these objects to reinforce narratives of "primitive" Black Africa and civilized, advanced white Europe and the United States.

The book begins by tracing the historical trajectory of these objects, from their initial acquisition by European colonizers to their subsequent display and interpretation in American museums and art galleries. It examines the ways in which these objects were collected, categorized, and displayed, often in ways that perpetuated stereotypes and misconceptions about African cultures and societies. Through a critical lens, the book challenges these narratives and seeks to provide a more nuanced and accurate understanding of the complex relationships between Black African objects and white Western aesthetics.

One of the key themes that the book explores is the concept of cultural appropriation. It examines how white Western artists and scholars have appropriated Black African objects and aesthetics for their own purposes, often without proper understanding or acknowledgment of their cultural significance. The book highlights the ways in which these appropriations have perpetuated harmful stereotypes and perpetuated the marginalization of Black African cultures and societies.

Another important aspect of the book is the role of colonialism in shaping these relationships. It examines how the colonial encounter between Europe and Africa resulted in the exchange of goods, ideas, and cultures, which in turn influenced the development of white Western aesthetics and artwork. The book explores the ways in which colonialism created a binary between "primitive" Black Africa and "civilized" white Europe and the United States, which has continued to shape our understanding of these cultures to this day.

The book also delves into the complex and multifaceted ways in which Black African objects have been interpreted and understood by scholars and artists. It examines the ways in which these objects have been used to construct narratives of African identity, history, and culture, as well as to challenge these narratives and provide alternative perspectives. The book highlights the contributions of Black African scholars and artists to the study and interpretation of these objects, and seeks to promote a more inclusive and diverse understanding of these cultures.

In conclusion, this book is a groundbreaking exploration of the complex and multifaceted relationships between Black African objects and white Western aesthetics and artwork in the United States from the late 1800s to 1939. It provides a rich and nuanced analysis of the underlying threads of white supremacy that have shaped our understanding of these cultures, and offers a critical perspective on the ways in which these objects have been appropriated and interpreted. Through its interdisciplinary approach, the book seeks to promote a more inclusive and diverse understanding of these cultures and their contributions to global art and culture.

Weight: 562g
Dimension: 159 x 236 x 18 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781839989360