The Time is Always Now: Artists Reframe the Black Figure

The Time is Always Now: Artists Reframe the Black Figure edited by Ekow Eshun showcases the work of 22 Black artists in the UK and US, highlighting the richness, beauty, and complexity of Black life. The book explores and celebrates contemporary Black artists who work within Black figuration, addressing the absence and distortion of Black presence in Western art history.

Format: Hardback
Length: 208 pages
Publication date: 15 February 2024
Publisher: National Portrait Gallery Publications

The Time is Always Now: Artists Reframe the Black Figure, edited by Ekow Eshun, is a captivating celebration of thriving Black artists whose work unveils the profound richness, beauty, and complexity of Black life. Here's the rephrased text in 130% to 150% more words, formatted into paragraphs, and without including the prompt:

The Time is Always Now: Artists Reframe the Black Figure

In this remarkable anthology, edited by Ekow Eshun, we embark on a journey to explore the vibrant world of Black artists whose exceptional creations illuminate the depth and intricacy of Black existence. The book celebrates the flourishing Black artists whose work shines a light on the immense richness, beauty, and complexity of Black life.

It is important to recognize that salvation is not a future-oriented endeavor. The true challenge lies in the present moment, for the time is always now. This profound insight was shared by the visionary James Baldwin, who emphasized the urgency of seizing the day and embracing the present.

The Time Is Always Now brings together a diverse group of 22 leading Black artists who are currently working in the UK and the US. These artists employ a range of artistic styles, from angry and elegiac to critical and celebratory, to convey their unique perspectives on Black life. Their works, showcased in this publication, showcase the depth and diversity of Black artistic expression.

This visual and beautifully produced book serves as a testament to the remarkable talent and creativity of contemporary African diasporic artists. Edited by Ekow Eshun and featuring original essays by renowned writers such as Bernardine Evaristo, Esi Edugyan, and Dorothy Price, it delves into the realm of Black figuration, a contemporary artistic movement that emphasizes the representation of Black individuals and communities.

By examining contemporary figurative artworks within the context of heightened cultural visibility, The Time is Always Now explores and celebrates the work of Black artists on a global scale. The collected paintings, drawings, and sculptures in this book take on a dual role: as accomplished individual works of art and as collective assertions of Black presence. Through a three-part structure that includes detailed artist profiles and stunningly reproduced artworks, the publication examines Black figuration as a means to address the absence and distortion of Black presence within Western art history.

The featured artists in this anthology are a testament to the richness and diversity of Black artistic talent. Hurvin Anderson, Michael Armitage, Jordan Casteel, Njideka Akunyili Crosby, Noah Davis, Godfried Donkor, Kimathi Donkor, Denzil Forrester, Lubaina Himid, and many others are showcased in this publication. Each artist brings their unique perspective and artistic style to the forefront, contributing to the collective assertion of Black presence and challenging the dominant narratives of art history.

In conclusion, The Time is Always Now: Artists Reframe the Black Figure is a captivating anthology that celebrates the remarkable contributions of Black artists in the UK and the US. Through their exceptional creations, these artists redefine the Black figure and shed light on the profound richness, beauty, and complexity of Black life. This book serves as a testament to the power of art to challenge stereotypes, promote inclusivity, and inspire dialogue. As we immerse ourselves in the world of these artists, we are reminded that the time is always now to embrace the present, celebrate our diversity, and work towards a more equitable and inclusive future.

Weight: 1444g
Dimension: 306 x 253 x 23 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781855145580