Best Books By Afro-American Artists

The Best Books By Afro-American Artists are a selection of over eight hundred publications acquired as part of an initiative launched in July 2020 to significantly expand our collection of monographs.

Black voices should always be celebrated (not just during Black History Month), and literature is one of the best ways to honor some of the community’s most illuminating stories. The best books by African American artists, Thanks to the work of African American authors, the world can better understand both the struggles and triumphs of black people in America. From wise artists like Maya Angelou to new voices like Honorée Fanonne Jeffers and Ashley C.

The Watson Library is celebrating Black History Month by highlighting publications from our collection on African American art and artists. The project also created an online artist index of over six hundred African American artists from the seventeenth century to the present day. The books are currently on display at the library until spring and will soon be featured in the Exhibitions section of The Met website as “A selection of African American art and artists’ books.” Below we have mentioned the best books by Afro-American Artists.

What is an Afro-American artist?

An “Afro-American artist” is usually an artist who is from Africa but lives or was born in the United States. The term is often used to talk about artists who call themselves Black or African American and whose work is influenced by their African heritage and experiences as part of the African diaspora in America. These artists make a lot of different kinds of visual art, such as paintings, sculptures, photographs, performance art, and more.

Often, their work is about identity, race, culture, history, and social justice. Afro-American artists have made important contributions to American art and art around the world. They have influenced many art movements and styles and shown the variety and richness of Black art.

Why is it important to read books by Afro-American artists?

It’s important to read books by Afro-American authors for several reasons:

???? Different Points of View: Afro-American artists look at their work from different and unique points of view. Their lives, pasts, and cultural backgrounds add to the world of literature and give new perspectives on different parts of life, identity, and society.

???? Representation: Many of the characters, stories, and themes in these books are based on the experiences of Black people. Reading this kind of literature helps to fix the way that Black people and communities are shown in mainstream media and literature.

???? Understanding culture: Afro-American literature and art offer a chance to learn about and understand the rich cultural traditions, values, and history of the Black community. It helps people understand and appreciate each other’s cultures.

????️ Commentary on society: Many Afro-American artists use their work to talk about important social issues, such as racism, inequality, and injustice. By reading their books, you can learn more about these problems, which can lead to important conversations and actions.

???? Empowerment: Afro-American literature often tells stories about people who keep going through hard times and come out on top. Especially for Black people, who may see themselves in the characters and situations shown, these stories can be empowering and inspiring.

Best Books By Afro-American Artists comparison table

This table shows the best works of literature written by African-American writers. It focuses on important details like the year, genre, and themes of books that have had an impact on the African American community. This gives readers a better understanding of their cultural and literary contributions.

TitleAuthor/ArtistYearGenre/Description
Black Lives 1900Various Photographers1900sA collection of historical photographs documenting Black lives in the early 1900s.
The New Black VanguardAntwaun Sargent2019A book that explores contemporary Black fashion photographers and their impact on the industry.
Flash of the SpiritRobert Farris Thompson1983An exploration of African and African-American art and spirituality.
The Soul of a Nation ReaderMark Godfrey (Editor)2017A compilation of critical essays on African-American art from the 1960s to the 1980s.
Faith RinggoldFaith RinggoldOngoingA prominent African-American artist known for her storytelling quilts and other artworks.
Reading Basquiat: Exploring Ambivalence in American ArtJordana Moore Saggese2014An academic book that examines the work of Jean-Michel Basquiat and its impact on American art.
“Unseen: Unpublished Black History from the New York Times Photo Archives”Darcy Eveleigh, Rachel L. Swarns, and others2017A collection of previously unpublished historical photographs showcasing Black history.
Exhibiting BlacknessBridget R. Cooks2011Explores the history of African-American art exhibitions and their cultural significance.
The Ultimate MuseumVarious Contributors2016A publication that likely discusses the concept and design of an ideal museum experience.
Kehinde WileyKehinde WileyOngoingA contemporary artist known for his portraits featuring African-Americans in the style of classical European paintings.
How to See a Work of Art in Total DarknessDarby English2007An exploration of African-American art in relation to cultural identity and visibility.

Black Lives 1900

Features

  • Provides a historical perspective on the lives of Black Americans at the turn of the 20th century.
  • Features a collection of powerful photographs capturing the Black experience during that era.
  • Offers insights into the challenges and triumphs of the Black community in the face of adversity.

At the 1900 Paris World’s Fair, pioneering sociologist and activist W.E.B. Du Bois presented an exhibit depicting the progress of African Americans since the abolition of slavery. Using a selection of hand-drawn charts, maps, graphs, and photographs taken by anonymous photographers, he shed light on the status of newly emancipated people across America a powerful affirmation of equality for Black Americans.

This new book reproduces for the first time the archival material contextualized by the essay by art historians Jacqueline Francis and Stephen G. Hall and the foreword by architect David Adjaye. “I find this lush and exquisitely produced book essential to my understanding of a historical event that did much to change my perception of Du Bois and its brilliant breadth,” writes Hilton Als in The New Yorker.

Pros

  • Provides a historical perspective on the lives of Black Americans at the turn of the 20th century.
  • Offers valuable insights into the struggles and resilience of the Black community during a challenging period.
  • Features powerful visual documentation through photographs.

Cons

  • Limited in its focus on a specific time period, which may not provide a comprehensive view of Black history.

The New Black Vanguard

Features

  • Explores the work of contemporary Black photographers and their impact on fashion, art, and culture.
  • Highlights the diversity of artistic expressions within the Black community.
  • Examines how these photographers challenge and redefine traditional notions of beauty and identity.

Art critic, curator and author Antwaun Sargent uses detailed imagery and essays to explain the journey of the black body, photographer and model through vignettes of art, fashion and culture.

Sargent features 15 artist portfolios, including Tyler Mitchell, the first black photographer for American Vogue, and the writings of those who have experienced exclusion, misrepresentation in inclusion efforts and the evolution of the black commercial image.

Pros

  • Celebrates contemporary Black photographers and their contributions to the art world.
  • Showcases diverse perspectives and artistic styles within the Black community.
  • Highlights the intersection of art, fashion, and culture.

Cons

  • May not delve deeply into the historical context and struggles faced by Black photographers.

Flash of the Spirit

Features

  • Focuses on the influence of African spirituality and culture on African American art.
  • Traces the connections between African and African American artistic traditions.
  • Offers a unique perspective on the cultural roots of African American creativity.

Flash of the Spirit looks at five African civilizations, Yoruba, Congo, Ejagham, Mande, and Cross River, that are influencing African-American and other African diaspora cultures through their music, textiles, architecture, and religion.

The rhythmic prose that makes up the text is a poetic narration by a white man who had immersed himself in the above cultures for a considerable time in order to sense the influence of these civilizations on the cultures of the African diaspora. Robert Farris Thompson has been a professor at Yale University since 1965, specializing in the African and Afro-Atlantic world.

Pros

  • Offers a unique exploration of African and African-American art and culture.
  • Examines the influence of African traditions on African-American art.
  • Provides a global perspective on Black art.

Cons

  • Can be a dense and academic read, which may not appeal to all readers.

The Soul of a Nation Reader

Features

  • Complements the exhibition “Soul of a Nation,” showcasing African American art from 1963-1983.
  • Includes essays and critical writings that provide context and analysis of the featured artworks.
  • Illuminates the role of art in the Civil Rights Movement and Black Power Movement.

Art educator and Black Art Library founder Asmaa Walton says this book, a companion book to the Soul of a Nation: Art in the Age of Black Power art exhibition, is a must-read, especially for anyone who loves visual arts and Story. The book contains writings by and about Black artists and icons such as Gwendolyn Brooks, Jacob Lawrence, Faith Ringgold and Lorraine O’Grady.

Pros

  • Complements the exhibition “Soul of a Nation” with critical essays and insights.
  • Explores the impact of the Civil Rights Movement on Black art in the United States.
  • Provides a well-rounded view of the Black Arts Movement.

Cons

  • Requires prior knowledge of the “Soul of a Nation” exhibition for full appreciation.

Faith Ringgold

Features

  • Profiles the life and work of renowned artist and activist Faith Ringgold.
  • Explores her contributions to the feminist and civil rights movements through art.
  • Provides a comprehensive look at her diverse body of work, including quilts, paintings, and literature.

This new paperback book features the narrative quilts and brightly colored paintings of the legendary New York artist Faith Ringgold. Illustrating her commitment to the feminist and civil rights movements are her early political paintings, the “American People Series,” which were created between 1963 and ’67.

As injustices continue today, works such as these retain their contemporary resonance and inspire a new generation of creatives. Featuring a selection of diverse series from the past 50 years, the monograph reveals the breadth of her output and also includes her thoughts in an interview with Hans Ulrich Obrist.

Pros

  • Offers an in-depth look at the life and work of the influential artist Faith Ringgold.
  • Showcases her contributions to the feminist and civil rights movements.
  • Includes beautiful reproductions of her artwork.

Cons

  • Focuses primarily on one artist, which may limit its scope for readers interested in a broader perspective.

Reading Basquiat: Exploring Ambivalence in American Art

Features

  • Offers an in-depth examination of Jean-Michel Basquiat’s art and its place in American culture.
  • Explores themes of race, identity, and ambivalence in Basquiat’s work.
  • Analyzes the complex social and artistic implications of his art.

Although he was only 27 years old, artist Jean-Michel Basquiat created almost 2,000 works in his tragically short time on earth. Author Jordana Moore Saggese takes a unique look at the revolutionary artist’s works and offers a new way to understand his reach and impact: through literature. Readers will discover how Basquiat’s love of other creative disciplines shaped his artistic life and his conceptual identity as a black person.

Pros

  • Provides a critical examination of Jean-Michel Basquiat’s work and its cultural significance.
  • Explores the complexities of identity and race in American art.
  • Offers a deep dive into the art of a prominent Black artist.

Cons

  • May require a familiarity with Basquiat’s art and the art world to fully appreciate.

“Unseen: Unpublished Black History from the New York Times Photo Archives”

Features

  • Uncovers previously unpublished photographs that document Black history in America.
  • Provides a visual journey through pivotal moments in Black history.
  • Offers a fresh perspective on the role of media in shaping historical narratives.

Unseen features unreleased photographs from the vault of The New York Times and specifically focuses on never-before-seen images from the Times black community of photographers. This book not only gives you an in-depth look at scenes of the black experience, but also explores the stories behind them. The images contain critical moments of black history and show joy, sadness and triumph.

Pros

  • Presents a compelling collection of previously unpublished Black history photographs.
  • Offers a visual journey through important moments in Black history.
  • Provides a fresh perspective on historical events.

Cons

  • May lack in-depth contextual information for some of the photographs.

Exhibiting Blackness

Features

  • Explores the representation of Black artists in the art world and museums.
  • Addresses issues of race, identity, and representation in the context of art exhibitions.
  • Offers critical insights into the challenges and opportunities faced by Black artists in the art industry.

In Exhibiting Blackness: African Americans and the American Art Museum, art historian Bridget R. Cooks examines the curatorial strategies, challenges, and critical receptions of the most significant museum exhibitions of African American art, while also laying bare the problems associated with exhibiting persistent cultural differences around art history, To challenge historiography and American museum exhibition practices.

She traces an ethnographic approach to Black artist exhibition that focuses more on artists than their art, as well as a recovery narrative that seeks to right past failures, and reveals the complex role of art museums and their accountability to the cultures that they represent.

Pros

  • Examines the representation of Blackness in the art world and museum exhibitions.
  • Addresses important issues of racial representation and diversity.
  • Offers critical insights for both art enthusiasts and museum professionals.

Cons

  • Could be seen as primarily focused on the art and museum world, which may not appeal to a broader audience.

The Ultimate Museum

Features

  • Envisions an ideal museum that fully represents and celebrates the contributions of Black artists.
  • Discusses the importance of diverse voices in curatorial and museum practices.
  • Calls for a more inclusive and equitable art world.

Walton is delighted to add this book to her photo book collection. The Ultimate Art Museum, opening later this year, imagines what it would be like to have the world’s greatest art in one place and collate 40,000 works in one colorful book. While the book is not exclusively about Black issues, it is curated by Black author Ferren Gipson, an art historian, researcher and host of the visual arts podcast Art Matters who lives and works in London.

Pros

  • Explores the concept of the museum and its role in society.
  • Discusses the representation of Black artists and their work in museums.
  • Offers a thought-provoking analysis of museums as institutions.

Cons

  • May be more focused on museum theory and philosophy rather than specific artists or artworks.

Kehinde Wiley

Features

  • Profiles the work of Kehinde Wiley, a renowned contemporary artist known for his vibrant portraiture.
  • Explores themes of race, power, and identity in his art.
  • Provides a comprehensive look at his career, from early works to his iconic presidential portrait of Barack Obama.

Kehindle Wiley: A New Republic presents the catalog of Kehinde Wiley’s bold and powerful paintings, examines the representation of black people in art and challenges the status quo of classical painting. Wiley is celebrated for his unique portraiture, which often features Baroque influences, and for his reinterpretation of art history, which makes him one of the most prominent black artists of the 21st century. With every turn, you will be captivated by the depth and journey of his art.

Pros

  • Provides an overview of the career and artistic style of Kehinde Wiley.
  • Showcases his vibrant and monumental portraits of Black subjects.
  • Offers insight into the intersection of classical art and contemporary Black culture.

Cons

  • Concentrates primarily on one artist, which may limit its appeal to those seeking a broader perspective on Black art.

How to See a Work of Art in Total Darkness

Features

  • Offers a unique and sensory exploration of art, encouraging readers to engage with it beyond the visual.
  • Challenges conventional ways of experiencing and interpreting art.
  • Explores the connections between art and the human senses.

How to See a Work of Art in Total Darkness shows that the art of black artists is not always essentially about blackness. In this book, English writes about the expectation of black artists’ art to depict race as a limitation of work. English pays particular attention to the work of Kara Walker, Fred Wilson, Isaac Julien, Glenn Ligon, and William Pope L.

The text fleshes out the premise that “black art is a myth in dire need of a critical mythology.” English approaches black art in a post-positivist sense, arguing that it wasn’t there, waiting to be discovered. He claims that black art develops through events and naming. English advocates a new understanding of “black art” and the “black artisB.

Pros

  • Offers a unique and sensory exploration of art.
  • Encourages readers to engage with art in a different and immersive way.
  • Explores the concept of art accessibility.

Cons

  • May not provide a traditional narrative or analysis of Black art, which could be challenging for some readers.

How to choose the best books by Afro-American artists?

Choosing the best books by Afro-American artists can be fun, but you need to think about your own interests and goals. Here are some tips for choosing the best books:

???? Figure out what you like: Begin by thinking about what attracts you to Afro-American art. Do you want to learn more about the work of a certain artist, a particular era in history, a specific art form (painting ????, photography ????, literature ????, etc.), or broader cultural and social themes? By discerning your preferences, you can narrow down your choices.

???? Do some research: Conduct research to discover books that align with your interests. Utilize the Internet, library catalogs ????, bookstores ????, and suggestions from experts or art enthusiasts to find relevant titles.

???? Read Reviews and Suggestions: Seek out reviews and suggestions from trustworthy sources. Reviews can provide valuable insights into a book’s content, quality, and how well it suits your interests. Recommendations from peers, teachers ????‍????, or experts in the field can also be helpful.

???? Consider How Much You Know: Ponder how much you already know about Afro-American art and history. Some books may be better suited for beginners as they offer a general overview of the subject, while others may be more advanced or focused on specific aspects.

???? Check the credentials of the author: Investigate what the author brings to the table in terms of knowledge about Afro-American art and their qualifications to write about it. An author with strong credentials is more likely to provide well-informed and insightful perspectives.

FAQs

Who was the first successful African-American artist?

Henry Ossawa Tanner was the first African-American artist to have a lot of success. He did well in a world where most people were white and made paintings that were strong, beautiful, and sad. Tanner’s mother was a black slave who had gotten away in a dramatic way by riding a train. His father was an abolitionist and a Methodist minister.

Who is the father of African art?

Aaron Douglas changed the way African-American art looked and what it was about. Douglas was a leader of the Harlem Renaissance. He made a lot of different works that helped shape the movement and bring it to national attention.

Kevin Hawk
Kevin Hawk
Specializing in crafting captivating list-based articles, Kevin dives into the world of software, tools, and apps, offering readers expert insights and recommendations. His keen interest in technology is matched only by his love for travel, which fuels his creativity and adds a unique perspective to his writing. With a finger on the pulse of the tech landscape, Kevin Hawk continues to be a valuable asset to Bollyinside's content team, providing a blend of expertise, passion, and wanderlust.

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