Souls Grown Deep Vol. 1: African American Vernacular Art

by William Arnett (Editor), Paul Arnett (Editor)

The first comprehensive overview of an important genre of American art, Souls Grown Deep explores the visual-arts genius of the black South. This first work in a multivolume study introduces 40 African-American self-taught artists, who, without significant formal training, often employ the most unpretentious and unlikely materials. Like blues and jazz artists, they create powerful statements amplifying the call for freedom and vision.

Genres: Art, History

544 pages, Hardcover

First published September 1, 2000

Reviews

[Tatiana · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gorgeous book documenting some of our country's most transcendent artists. I particularly love vernacular art, sometimes called naif or outsider art, because it truly just springs up straight from the human spirit in sometimes inhospitable settings. As such it speaks a pure language that's immediately understandable to everyone who's human.

I'm lucky enough to have two pieces by Lonnie Holley, one of the artists who's featured here, and who lives in my community. Some of his stuff in our local museum's permanent collection is just breathtaking, but his work is also exhibited in places like the Smithsonian and all over. I love that art, like God, is no respecter of persons, and brilliant talent and transformational work is to be found in all communities.

[Gretchen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Before Slavery Black culture had deep traditions in storytelling, ritual, ceremony, singing, dancing and spiritual practice. After slavery they continued to carry their traditions in secret(because they were not allowed to read or write)Thus many new ways of communicating their mythology were developed. Their history is undeniably linked to ours.

[John Porcellino · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent, thoroughly beautiful look at 20th Century African American "outsider" art. Gorgeous, vivid
photography.