Black American Portraits: From the Los Angeles County Museum of Art

Black American Portraits is a celebratory visual chronicle of the ways in which Black Americans have used portraiture to envision themselves, spanning over two centuries from 1800 to the present day. The book is a companion to the exhibition of the same name, curated by David C. Driskell at LACMA 45 years ago, and highlights emancipation, scenes from the Harlem Renaissance, portraits from the Civil Rights and Black Power eras, multiculturalism of the 1990s, and the spirit of Black Lives Matter.

Format: Hardback
Length: 224 pages
Publication date: 17 January 2023
Publisher: Distributed Art Publishers

Spanning over two centuries, from around 1800 to the present day, Black American Portraits explores the profound ways in which Black Americans have used portraiture to envision themselves, in their own eyes. This captivating visual chronicle, curated by David C. Driskell at LACMA 45 years ago, serves as a companion to the exhibition of the same name, which reimagines portraiture to center Black American subjects, sitters, and spaces.

This remarkable selection of approximately 140 works from LACMA's permanent collection showcases a rich tapestry of emancipation, scenes from the Harlem Renaissance, portraits from the Civil Rights and Black Power eras, the multiculturalism of the 1990s, and the enduring spirit of Black Lives Matter.

Countering a visual culture that often demonizes Blackness and fetishizes the spectacle of Black pain, these images celebrate love, abundance, family, community, and exuberance. Black American Portraits presents Black figures across a diverse range of mediums, including painting, drawing, prints, photography, sculpture, mixed media, and time-based media.

In addition to the work of artists of African descent, Black American Portraits also features several pieces by artists of other backgrounds who have demonstrated a deep appreciation, sensitivity, and commitment to Black artists, communities, histories, and subjects.

The artists featured in this collection are a testament to the rich and diverse talent within the Black American artistic community. Some notable names include Alvin Baltrop, Edward Biberman, Bisa Butler, Jordan Casteel, Njideka Akunyili Crosby, Bruce Davidson, Stan Douglas, rafa esparza, Shepard Fairey, Charles Gaines, Sargent Claude Johnson, Deana Lawson, Kerry James Marshall, Alice Neel, Lorraine O Grady, Catherine Opie, Amy Sherald, Ming Smith, Henry Taylor, Tourmaline, Mickalene Thomas, James Van Der Zee, Carrie Mae Weems, Charles White, Kehinde Wi.

Through their powerful and evocative portraits, these artists have not only captured the essence of Black identity but have also played a vital role in shaping the cultural landscape of America. Black American Portraits serves as a testament to the enduring power of portraiture to capture the human spirit and celebrate the diversity and richness of Black experiences.

Weight: 1584g
Dimension: 236 x 315 x 25 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781636810164