David Hartt: The Histories

This clothbound monograph explores the fault lines of race, colonialism, and empire through a cycle of three works by artist David Hartt, titled The Histories. The works, which focus on the Americas and the Caribbean during the 19th century, incorporate video, tapestry, sculpture, and musical collaborations to explore real and imagined landscapes.

Format: Hardback
Length: 208 pages
Publication date: 21 June 2022
Publisher: Inventory Press LLC

This clothbound monograph delves into the profound fault lines of race, colonialism, and empire that continue to haunt our present, drawing inspiration from Herodotus' fifth-century work of the same title. Through a series of three interconnected works collectively titled "The Histories," artist David Hartt (born 1967) explores the Americas and the Caribbean during the 19th century, weaving together real and imagined landscapes that are informed by the profound artistic contributions of Martin Johnson Heade, Robert S. Duncanson, Michel-Jean Cazabon, and Frederic Church. Hartt's contemporary interpretations incorporate a diverse range of mediums, including video, tapestry, sculpture, and musical collaborations with renowned artists such as Girma Yifrashewa, Van Dyke Parks, and Stefan Betke.

The first work in this series, "Le Mancenillier," is situated within the Frank Lloyd Wright-designed Beth Sholom Synagogue and was filmed and photographed in both Haiti and New Orleans. The second work, "Old Black Joe," is located in Trinidad and Ohio, while the final work, "Crépuscule," was commissioned by the Philadelphia Museum of Art and was created in Jamaica and Newfoundland.

"The Histories" unveil the intricate web of peoples and cultures that intertwine as Hartt explores the concept of place. Through his artistic lens, he invites us to reflect on the legacy of colonialism, the impact of slavery, and the ongoing struggles for cultural identity and sovereignty. The monograph serves as a powerful testament to the enduring power of art to illuminate the complexities of our shared history and inspire dialogue and understanding.

Weight: 998g
Dimension: 302 x 234 x 15 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781941753439