Black Artists in America: From Civil Rights to the Bicentennial

The second book in a three-volume series on Black American artists explores the cultural, political, and social concerns of the era through 140 color illustrations of paintings, sculptures, and works on paper by celebrated and under-recognized artists. Essays provide an overview of the period and in-depth examinations of key figures.

Format: Hardback
Length: 144 pages
Publication date: 16 January 2024
Publisher: Yale University Press

The second installment in a three-volume series dedicated to showcasing the remarkable contributions of Black American artists during the culturally, politically, and socially charged era of the 1950s to 1970s has been released. This captivating collection features a diverse range of artwork that responded to the pressing concerns of the time. Artists, driven by a fervent desire to challenge inequality and advocate for civil rights, created pieces that celebrated their racial identity, resonated with Black audiences, and actively participated in the struggle for political, economic, and social equality.

The emergence of artist collectives, such as Spiral, and the establishment of museums dedicated to Black art, including the renowned Studio Museum in Harlem, played pivotal roles in bringing Black art into the broader artistic discourse. These milestones marked significant steps toward recognizing and valuing the unique contributions of Black artists.

The book boasts an impressive array of 140 color illustrations, showcasing the works of renowned artists like Romare Bearden, Sam Gilliam, Jacob Lawrence, Norman Lewis, Howardena Pindell, and Alma Thomas, alongside the lesser-known talents of under-recognized artists. Accompanying these visual treasures are insightful essays that provide a comprehensive overview of the period and in-depth examinations of two influential figures: James A. Porter, an artist and art historian who is widely credited with establishing the field of African American art history, and Merton D. Simpson, an abstract painter who was a prominent member of the Spiral group and played a crucial role in promoting African art in the United States.

This publication is proudly presented in association with the Dixon Gallery and Gardens, where an exhibition of the featured artwork will be held from October 22, 2023, to January 14, 2024. Following this, the exhibition will travel to the Crocker Art Museum in Sacramento, where it will be on display from February 4 to May 19, 2024.

By delving into the rich tapestry of Black American art during this transformative period, this second book in the series serves as a testament to the unwavering creativity, resilience, and profound impact of these artists on the world of art.

Weight: 1058g
Dimension: 232 x 289 x 19 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780300273465