Theaster Gates: Facsimile Cabinet of Women Origin Stories: Reflections

This book presents essays and reflections on Theaster Gates' Facsimile Cabinet of Women Origin Stories, a monumental participatory work that features nearly 3,000 framed images of women from the Johnson Publishing Company archive. The collection highlights the essential and often unsung role of women in Black American visual culture.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 144 pages
Publication date: 21 December 2021
Publisher: Distributed Art Publishers

A comprehensive exploration of the most significant archive of Black American visual culture, reimagined by Theaster Gates
This book presents a collection of essays and other reflections commissioned in response to Theaster Gates' monumental participatory work, the Facsimile Cabinet of Women Origin Stories. The Cabinet, comprising nearly 3,000 framed images of women from the Johnson Publishing Company archive, showcases highlights from the collection.

Founded in 1942, Chicago-based Johnson Publishing played a pivotal role in chronicling the lives of Black Americans for over seven decades through magazines such as Ebony and Jet. Comprising what is arguably the most significant archive of American Black visual culture in the 20th century, Gates' work centers on the essential yet often overlooked role of women in this history.

When the Cabinet was exhibited at the Colby College Museum of Art, 12 women from diverse disciplines, including archivists, legal scholars, anthropologists, librarians, curators, visual artists, filmmakers, writers, and art historians, were invited to reflect on a work that illuminates a sisterhood of images.

The essays in this volume offer diverse perspectives on the Facsimile Cabinet, exploring its historical significance, artistic impact, and the broader themes it addresses. They delve into the role of women in shaping Black American culture, the representation of women in visual media, and the enduring legacy of Johnson Publishing in documenting and celebrating Black life.

Through its engaging and thought-provoking contributions, this book provides a deeper understanding of the rich tapestry of Black American visual culture and its profound impact on society. It serves as a testament to the power of art and storytelling to illuminate hidden histories and challenge societal norms.

Weight: 412g
Dimension: 184 x 234 x 16 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781636810089