African-American Art

by Sharon F. Patton

From its origins in early 18th century slave communities to the end of the 20th century, African-American art has made a vital contribution to the art of the United States. This book provides a major reassessment of the subject, setting the art in the context of the African-American experience. 70 color illustrations. 5 linecuts.

Genres: Art, Art History, History, Nonfiction, African American, American History

320 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 1998

Reviews

[Danielle The Book Huntress]

This was my textbook for my African American Art History class. I am so glad I took that class, and this is a good introduction to an expansive topic that doesn't get nearly enough exposure. I truly appreciated learning about the hundreds of years of art that contributed to the American heritage created by African Americans. The book started with colonial times and discussed how enslaved Africans brought over their cultures and traditions from their lands in the ways in which they built their shelters and also in textile and pottery. They were also known for their skill as artisans and craftspeople, often their work going unsigned. I had no idea about Dave the Potter, who was a phenomenal pottery craftsperson who signed his creations and also wrote poems.

The text basically goes in chronological order, and discusses the various periods, movements and African American artists. The photographs are excellent and in full color, and the visual analysis of the works help to understand the intent and the formal qualities of each work.

It's very hard to encapsulate four hundred years of history into an approximately 300 page book, but it was very well done. I appreciate the scholarship that has been done and continues to be done on the subject of African-American art history.

[Maurita]

I created a class to understand the Black aesthetic and design to learn things I’m not able to be taught in a course currently. I stumbled across this book while at a used bookstore in Vancouver. This is when I realized that I actually haven’t heard of anyone really talk about African American art history outside of art movements + how it is all deeply related to everyday life. It all made sense while reading it but was also an eye opener. It consists of a lot of information but yet also not enough. So, it was a great starting point that pushed me to go deeper in certain topics somewhere else.

[Christine]

Excellent introduction to some of the major African American artists. i return to this book again and again for reference.

[Bjm Index]

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