The Art of Black American Women: Works of Twenty-Four Artists of the Twentieth Century [Hardcover]

Robert Henkes (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 1993 | ISBN-10: 0899508189 | ISBN-13: 978-0899508184

African American women artists have fought both racism and prejudice. Their works, remarkably varied in style, expression and medium, reflect the sensitivity and integrity that is, in part, a product of this struggle. The art of 24 African American women are examined: Lois Mailou Jones, Shirley Woodson, Howardena Pindell, Vivian Browne, Norma Morgan, Freida High W. Tesfagiorgis, Elizabeth Catlett, Jewel Simon, Faith Ringgold, Emma Amos, Robin Holder, Cynthia Hawkins, Camille Billops, Delilah Pierce, Yvonne Catchings, Gilda Snowden, Malkia Roberts, Ann Tanksley, Alma W. Thomas, Clementine Hunter, Viola Burley Leak, Mary Reed Daniel, Adell Westbrook, and Nanette Carter. Their work is allied to various schools of art, from expressionism to realism.

Editorial Reviews

From Booklist

Selected for inclusion based on their prominence among African Americans as well as the university and arts communities, 24 black women artists of the twentieth century are highlighted in this volume. Henkes, author of American Women Painters of the 1930s and 1940s (McFarland, 1991) and Themes in American Painting: A Reference Work to Common Styles and Genres (McFarland, 1992), wanted to promote a greater awareness of and provide for greater recognition of black women's contribution to the world of art.

Representing various schools of art from expressionism to realism and media from watercolor to polymer-phototransfer are such artists as Lois Mailou Jones, Vivian Browne, Jewel Simon, Faith Ringgold, Clementine Hunter, and Adell Westbrook. Typically, entries are 8-10 pages in length, accompanied by 6-8 black-and-white illustrations of artwork. Rather than biographical notes, the text is a discussion of the nature and vision of the artist, followed by listings of career highlights, education, awards, selected and solo exhibitions, and a bibliography of books, periodical articles, catalogs, and reviews. An index of names/subjects completes the work. With the exception of the colorplates inserted between pages 148 and 149, the beauty of much of the art included is lost in the black-and-white reproductions.

While various exhibitions of the work of contemporary black artists have resulted in catalogs with limited circulation, this is a worthy contribution to the literature of a group of largely overlooked artists. In spite of the black-and-white illustrations, it is recommended for public and academic libraries.

Review

"dispels the mists of obscurity surrounding this talented but neglected group...well illustrated" -- American Libraries

"frequently insightful...useful" -- ARBA

"recommended for public and academic libraries" -- Booklist/RBB

Product Details

• Hardcover: 274 pages
• Publisher: Mcfarland & Co Inc Pub (April 1993)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0899508189
• ISBN-13: 978-0899508184
• Product Dimensions: 10.1 x 7.2 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.8 pounds
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,709,226 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.