Incendiary Art

Incendiary Art is a powerful book that combines prose poems, ghazals, sestinas, and sonnets to confront the tyranny against the black male body and the tenacious grief of the mothers of murdered African American men. It was a finalist for the 2018 Pulitzer Prize and 2018 Los Angeles Times Book Prize.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 144 pages
Publication date: 25 April 2019
Publisher: Bloodaxe Books Ltd

Incendiary Art is a powerful and evocative collection of poetry that delves into the complex and deeply personal experiences of black men and the mothers who mourn their loss. Patricia Smith's writing is characterized by its raw emotion and powerful imagery, as she explores themes of violence, racism, and grief with an unwavering intensity.

The book opens with a powerful chronicle of the murder of Emmett Till, a young black man who was lynched in Mississippi in 1955 for allegedly flirting with a white woman. Smith's portrayal of Till's brutal murder is haunting and unforgettable, and it serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing struggles faced by black Americans in the United States.

Throughout the rest of the book, Smith weaves together a series of dynamic sequences that serve as a backdrop for present-day racial calamities and calls for resistance. These sequences include prose poems, ghazals, sestinas, and sonnets, each of which offers a unique perspective on the experiences of black men and women.

One of the most striking features of Incendiary Art is Smith's ability to reinvent the role of witness. She combines traditional poetic forms with more contemporary styles, creating a fusion of voices and perspectives that is both innovative and deeply moving. Her use of language is precise and evocative, and she skillfully weaves together a series of images and metaphors that create a vivid and sensory experience for the reader.

One of the themes that emerges throughout the book is the fear and uncertainty that accompanies the history of black Americans. Smith explores the ways in which historical events have shaped the present, and how they continue to impact the lives of black people today. She also examines the ways in which black individuals have resisted and challenged these historical forces, using their art and their voices to raise awareness and promote change.

Another theme that is central to Incendiary Art is the idea of grief and mourning. Smith explores the profound emotional toll that the loss of a loved one can take on a person, and how it can shape their perspective on the world. She uses the metaphor of the "fire" that burns within the hearts of black mothers to represent the ongoing pain and trauma that they experience as a result of their sons' deaths.

Incendiary Art is a phenomenal and visionary book that addresses what is frightening and revelatory about history now. It is a testament to the power of poetry to capture the human experience and to inspire change. Smith's writing is both accessible and profound, and it will resonate with readers of all backgrounds and generations.

In conclusion, Incendiary Art is a must-read for anyone who is interested in exploring the complex and deeply personal experiences of black men and the mothers who mourn their loss. Patricia Smith's writing is characterized by its raw emotion and powerful imagery, and it offers a unique perspective on the ongoing struggles faced by black Americans in the United States. This book is a testament to the power of art to inspire change and to promote understanding and empathy.

Weight: 242g
Dimension: 215 x 163 x 9 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781780374710