Hear Me Now: The Black Potters of Old Edgefield, South Carolina

Enslaved and free Black potters in Edgefield, South Carolina, played a significant role in the region's long-standing pottery traditions, and this catalogue showcases their work. The exhibition includes regional face vessels and masterpieces by enslaved potter David Drake, and essays explore the production, collection, dispersal, and reception of stoneware. Featured contemporary works inspired by or related to Edgefield stoneware emphasize its cultural and historical significance.

Format: Hardback
Length: 200 pages
Publication date: 17 August 2022
Publisher: Metropolitan Museum of Art

In the mid-nineteenth century, a remarkable transformation took place in the pottery traditions of the Southern United States. Enslaved and free Black potters played a central role in shaping this artistic landscape, contributing to the rich heritage of stoneware production in and around Edgefield, South Carolina. This captivating catalogue, published by The Metropolitan Museum of Art and distributed by Yale University Press, presents groundbreaking scholarship and offers fresh perspectives on this significant period.

The exhibition schedule for this extraordinary collection is as follows:

The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York (September 9, 2022 – February 5, 2023)
Museum of Fine Arts, Boston (March 6 – July 9, 2023)
University of Michigan Museum of Art, Ann Arbor (August 26, 2023 – January 7, 2024)
High Museum of Art, Atlanta (February 16 – May 12, 2024)

The catalogue delves into the intricate world of stoneware production, showcasing a selection of regional face vessels and masterpieces created by enslaved potter and poet David Drake. Drake's remarkable talent and creativity shine through in his jars, which he signed, dated, and incised with verses, despite the criminalization of literacy among enslaved people at the time.

In addition to the historical significance of the stoneware, the catalogue includes essays that provide a critical examination of the production, collection, dispersal, and reception of these objects. These essays offer valuable insights into the complex dynamics of collecting, exhibiting, and interpreting works made by enslaved artisans.

Several featured contemporary works inspired by or related to Edgefield stoneware further highlight the cultural and historical relevance of this body of work. These works, created by acclaimed contemporary artists such as Simone Leigh, demonstrate the enduring power of artistic expression and the continued importance of addressing the legacies of slavery and oppression.

The catalogue is a testament to the collaborative efforts of scholars, curators, and artists who have dedicated their time and expertise to exploring the rich history and artistic contributions of Black potters in the Southern United States. It serves as a valuable resource for researchers, students, and enthusiasts alike, shedding light on the untold stories and remarkable achievements of these artists.

Through its innovative approach and compelling content, this catalogue contributes to a broader understanding of the role of Black artists in shaping American cultural heritage and highlights the enduring significance of stoneware production in the Southern United States.

Dimension: 254 x 203 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781588397263