Collusions of Fact and Fiction: Performing Slavery in the Works of Suzan-Lori Parks and Kara Walker

Collusions of Fact and Fiction explores how late twentieth-century African American cultural engagements with the history and legacies of transatlantic slavery shifted from reconstructing the experience of African Americans under slavery to addressing the discursive dimension of our contemporary understanding of the past and its impact on contemporary identities.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 268 pages
Publication date: 15 December 2021
Publisher: University of Iowa Press

Collusions of Fact and Fiction delves into a profound shift in the way late twentieth-century African American cultural engagements with the history and legacies of transatlantic slavery have evolved. By examining the works of playwright Suzan-Lori Parks and visual artist Kara Walker, the book explores how artists of the 1990s and early 2000s approached the past, departing from the first wave of neo-slave narratives of the 1970s and 1980s. Instead, these artists embraced a liberal entanglement of fact and fiction, employing a highly playful, often humorous, and occasionally irreverent approach to entrenched motifs, iconographies, and historiographies.

In his book, Saal argues that the primary objective of reconstructing or recuperating the experiences of African Americans during slavery has become less relevant in the works of artists emerging in the post-Civil Rights era. Instead, these artists expose the discursive nature of our contemporary understanding of the past and address the ongoing impact of its various verbal and visual signs upon contemporary identities. By doing so, Parks and Walker open up new avenues for engaging with the past, occupying the present, and envisioning the future.

This shift in artistic approach reflects a broader cultural transformation that has taken place in the United States over the past several decades. As society has become more diverse and interconnected, there has been a growing recognition of the complexity and multifaceted nature of history. Artists have responded to this by exploring alternative narratives and perspectives that challenge traditional understandings of the past.

One of the key themes explored in Collusions of Fact and Fiction is the role of humor and playfulness in confronting historical trauma. Parks and Walker use humor to subvert expectations and challenge the dominant narratives surrounding slavery and its legacy. By employing playful and ironic techniques, they invite viewers to reconsider their assumptions and engage with the past in a more nuanced and empathetic way.

Another important aspect of the book is its exploration of the visual language used by artists to convey historical and cultural significance. Walker's use of large-scale installations and intricate patterns, for example, creates a powerful sense of historical and cultural context that goes beyond the mere representation of facts and figures. By employing visual metaphors and symbols, she invites viewers to interpret and engage with the past on a deeper level.

In addition to their artistic contributions, Parks and Walker also play a significant role in shaping public discourse and raising awareness about the ongoing impact of slavery and its legacy. Through their works, they challenge the notion of a linear and simplistic understanding of history and encourage viewers to consider the complexities and nuances of the past.

Collusions of Fact and Fiction is a thought-provoking and insightful book that offers a fresh perspective on the history and legacies of transatlantic slavery. By examining the works of Parks and Walker, Saal highlights the ways in which artists are using their creativity to challenge traditional narratives and explore new possibilities for engaging with the past. This book is a valuable contribution to the field of history and cultural studies and will be of interest to scholars, artists, and anyone interested in exploring the complexities of our contemporary understanding of the past.

Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781609387785