Out of The Sun: Essays at the Crossroads of Race

Out of the Sun is a collection of essays by Esi Edugyan that explore the history of Western Art,the legacy of Afrofuturism,racial passing,ghosts and haunting,and the relationship between Africa and Asia. Edugyan reflects on her own identity and experiences,asking difficult questions about how we reckon with the past and imagine the future.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 256 pages
Publication date: 01 February 2024
Publisher: Profile Books Ltd

History is a complex tapestry woven from a myriad of narratives and perspectives. It is a narrative that shapes our understanding of ourselves, our communities, and our place in the world. However, history is not a static entity; it is constantly evolving and being rewritten.

One way that history is being rewritten is through the resurgence of marginalized stories and voices. These stories have often been overlooked or ignored by mainstream narratives, but they are essential to understanding our past and present. By bringing these stories to the forefront, we can challenge our assumptions and broaden our horizons.

In her collection of essays, Out of the Sun, author Esi Edugyan explores the complexities of history and the ways in which marginalized stories can complicate our understanding of who we are. Through a series of thought-provoking essays, Edugyan delves into the history of Western art, the legacy of Afrofuturism, the practice of racial passing, the role of ghosts and haunting in the imagination, and the fascinating relationship between Africa and Asia.

In one essay, Edugyan examines the history of Western art and the ways in which it has failed to represent the experiences of Black people. She argues that Western art has often been dominated by white perspectives and has neglected to acknowledge the contributions of Black artists and thinkers. Edugyan highlights the work of contemporary Black artists who are reclaiming and reimagining the history of Black lives, using their art to challenge the dominant narratives and create a more inclusive and diverse understanding of history.

Another essay in the collection explores the legacy of Afrofuturism, a movement that emerged in the 1960s and 70s as a response to the marginalization of Black people and their cultures. Afrofuturism blends science fiction, fantasy, and African cultural traditions to create a vision of a future in which Black people are empowered and celebrated. Edugyan examines the complexities of Afrofuturism, including its problematic aspects, such as the fetishization of African cultures and the perpetuation of stereotypes. She also celebrates the ways in which Afrofuturism has challenged traditional narratives and created a space for Black imagination and creativity.

Edugyan also delves into the practice of racial passing, a phenomenon in which individuals of African descent attempt to pass as white in order to gain access to social and economic opportunities. She explores the historical and cultural contexts of racial passing, including its impact on individuals and communities. Edugyan also raises important questions about the ethics of racial passing and the ways in which it perpetuates harmful stereotypes and inequalities.

In another essay, Edugyan examines the role of ghosts and haunting in the imagination. She argues that ghosts and haunting are not just supernatural phenomena, but are also deeply rooted in the social and cultural contexts in which they occur. Edugyan explores the ways in which ghosts and haunting can be used as a tool for healing and reconciliation, as well as a means of challenging dominant narratives and creating new ways of understanding the past.

Finally, Edugyan explores the fascinating relationship between Africa and Asia, dating back to the 6th Century. She argues that this relationship has been shaped by a complex history of trade, migration, and cultural exchange. Edugyan highlights the ways in which African and Asian cultures have influenced each other, including in art, music, and literature. She also explores the challenges and opportunities that this relationship presents, including the potential for cultural hybridity and the importance of preserving cultural heritage.

Through her collection of essays, Out of the Sun, Esi Edugyan demonstrates her commitment to seeking out the stories of Black lives that history has failed to record. She uses her writing to challenge our assumptions and broaden our horizons, creating a more inclusive and diverse understanding of history. By exploring the complexities of the past and the ways in which marginalized stories can complicate our understanding of who we are, Edugyan helps us to reckon with the past and imagine a more promising future.

Weight: 222g
Dimension: 197 x 129 x 18 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781788169912
Edition number: Main