Collecting African American Art: Works on Paper and Canvas [Hardcover]

Halima Taha (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: December 22, 1998

Art enthusiasts and lovers of African American art have long considered collecting art a hobby reserved solely for the wealthy. Collecting African-American Art: Works on Paper and Canvas effectively dispels this misconception.  

In these pages, lavishly illustrated with almost two hundred works by a wide range of artists, readers will find practical guidelines for becoming an informed collector, including specific criteria for working with dealers. By providing succinct advice on framing, insurance, tax and estate planning, as well as pointers on how to care for one's collection, author Halima Taha makes collecting an enjoyable -- and affordable -- pastime for everyone.

Combining a rich and diverse blend of aesthetic traditions from Africa, the Caribbean, and America, African American art has emerged as the most actively collected art in the marketplace. This guide presents both emerging and established artists and identifies dealers throughout the nation specializing in the field. Insightful and accessible, it is the first book to define the role of the collector of African American art. The result is a unique and essential guide to developing a meaningful and rewarding collection.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"A splendid complement to the important surveys of African American art." -- Lowery Sims, Curator of Twentieth Century Art, Metropolitan Museum of Art

"A wonderful collection...Every home, library, and gallery should possess a copy." -- Rodney J. Reynolds, Publisher, "American Legacy"

"An invaluable resource for the novice as well as the experienced collector." --Howard Dodson, Chief, Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From the Inside Flap

Art enthusiasts and lovers of African American art have long considered collecting art a hobby reserved solely for the wealthy. Collecting African-American Art: Works on Paper and Canvas effectively dispels this misconception.  

In these pages, lavishly illustrated with almost two hundred works by a wide range of artists, readers will find practical guidelines for becoming an informed collector, including specific criteria for working with dealers. By providing succinct advice on framing, insurance, tax and estate planning, as well as pointers on how to care for one's collection, author Halima Taha makes collecting an enjoyable -- and affordable -- pastime for everyone.

Combining a rich and diverse blend of aesthetic traditions from Africa, the Caribbean, and America, African American art has emerged as the most actively collected art in the marketplace. This guide presents both emerging and established artists and identifies dealers throughout the nation specializing in the field. Insightful and accessible, it is the first book to define the role of the collector of African American art. The result is a unique and essential guide to developing a meaningful and rewarding collection.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 288 pages
• Publisher: Crown; 1 edition (December 22, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0517705931
• ISBN-13: 978-0517705933
• Product Dimensions: 11 x 8.7 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3.2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,408,334 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A much needed focus on our vital work., June 5, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Collecting African American Art: Works on Paper and Canvas (Hardcover)

This book is a wonderful addition to the library of African American Art History and a tremendous resource for both artist and collector. What an opportunity for the expansion of our work. Thanks, Halima. -Nadine LaFond, fine artist, Art Lives

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Two Thumbs up, February 12, 2001

By 

R. Browne (Central New Jersey) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Collecting African American Art: Works on Paper and Canvas (Hardcover)

Ms Taha hit the nail on the head. Anyone with an interest in African American Art, this book is a must buy. The Author, takes the reader step by step through the African American art Market. Any work presented in the work is a fine example of the work that a collector and or an art lover should own. Too often, collecting african american art is thought of as buying $50.00 posters and placing a $500.00 frame around the work. Ms Taha describes how African American Art is here for all and how one can begin the road to sucessful lover affair with ART. Please support this Author.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A rare gem, June 6, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: Collecting African American Art: Works on Paper and Canvas (Hardcover)

If you have ever thought about purchasing a piece of art by an African American artist you should read this book. It is a rare gem. I met Ms. Taha at an opening some years ago at which time she told me she would be releasing this book, I had no idea it would be the treasure that it is. It is insightful, informative, beautifully illustrated, and gives you all the information needed to begin collecting art or to continue adding to your collection. Having a passion for art and the history of African American artist in this country, I want to thank Ms. Taha for encouring me to continue my pursuit for collecting and sharing much needed tools that will help me as I continue in this endeavor.