Visitation: The Conjure Work of Black Feminist Avant-Garde Cinema

Black feminist avant-garde filmmakers use historical archives to visualize and reckon with violence suffered by Black women in the US, creating spaces of mourning and reckoning rather than voyeurism and pornotropy. They intervene in the production of Blackness and activate new ways of seeing Black women and telling their stories, theorizing these films as a form of conjure work.

Format: Hardback
Length: 240 pages
Publication date: 08 November 2022
Publisher: Duke University Press

In her groundbreaking book, "Visitation," Jennifer DeClue delves into the profound ways in which Black feminist avant-garde filmmakers harness the power of historical archives to bring to life the devastating experiences of violence faced by Black women in the United States. Through a meticulous exploration of their work, DeClue makes a compelling argument that these filmmakers, including Kara Walker, Kara Lynch, Tourmaline, and JaTovia Gary, go beyond mere voyeurism and pornotropy to create spaces of mourning and reckoning. By employing a range of artistic techniques, such as editing, performance, and cinematic experimentation, these filmmakers intervene in the construction of Blackness and provoke new ways of seeing Black women and telling their stories.

DeClue approaches these films as a form of conjure work, recognizing their ability to raise the specters of Black women from the past and invite them to reveal history from their unique perspectives. By channeling the spirits that haunt archives, these filmmakers create cinematic arenas for witnessing Black women battling for survival during pivotal and exceedingly violent moments in US history.

"Visitation" is a groundbreaking contribution to the field of film studies, offering a fresh and insightful perspective on the role of Black feminist avant-garde filmmakers in shaping our understanding of violence and resilience. Through her meticulous analysis and compelling storytelling, DeClue demonstrates the power of art to heal, transform, and ignite change. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in exploring the intersection of race, gender, and history, and in advocating for a more inclusive and equitable world.

Weight: 486g
Dimension: 160 x 239 x 19 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781478016526