Supernatural America: The Paranormal in American Art

America's history of violence,slavery,nuclear threats,and wars haunts the nation,and artists have been integral in visualizing these ghosts,creating a rich visual culture of the intangible. This catalog accompanies the first major exhibition to assess the spectral in American art, featuring artists from James McNeill Whistler and Kerry James Marshall to those who made images with spirits during séances.

Format: Hardback
Length: 320 pages
Publication date: 03 August 2021
Publisher: The University of Chicago Press

America, a nation steeped in a violent past, bears the haunting legacy of its history. The specters of genocide, slavery, nuclear annihilation, and traumatic wars linger as an unsettling and undeniable part of its heritage. These otherworldly visitors, not merely metaphorical, exist in the present, urgently beckoning for contact. They have played a central role in shaping American identity, transcending mere symbolism to become tangible and profoundly impacting our collective consciousness.

Throughout times of mourning and trauma, artists have been instrumental in visualizing ghosts, whether they pertain to national or personal experiences. They have embraced the uncanny and the inexplicable, creating a rich visual culture that explores the intangible realm. This captivating catalog accompanies the first major exhibition dedicated to examining the spectral in American art. It showcases a diverse range of artists, from renowned figures like James McNeill Whistler and Kerry James Marshall to artist/mediums who have collaborated with spirits during séances. Spanning over two hundred years, this catalog offers a comprehensive exploration of the supernatural in American art. It delves into haunting experiences, UFO sightings, and a wide array of subjective responses to otherworldly encounters.

Through their artistic endeavors, these artists have sought to make sense of the paranormal and the supernatural, forging a profound connection between the human spirit and the mysterious forces that surround us. Their works serve as a testament to the enduring power of art to capture the essence of the intangible, offering a glimpse into the depths of our collective psyche and the enduring legacy of trauma that shapes our nation.

Weight: 2048g
Dimension: 360 x 290 x 37 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780226786827