Glenn Ligon: Distinguishing Piss from Rain: Writings and Interviews

by Glenn Ligon (Contributor)

400 pages, Paperback

Published August 13, 2024

Reviews

[ISRA]

I feel a bit misled by the synopsis. I wanted more from the writing and less conversation in the interviews. Within the writing, Lignon doesn’t elaborate on things leaving the message he meant to convey via their inclusion ambiguous - the interpolations of white writer/artist figures in particular. The synopsis mentions James Baldwin, Zora Neale Hurston, Gertrude Stein & Richard Pryor yet they are very minor references in the books themes. Additionally the synopsis neglects Lignon’s inclusion of W.E.B Dubuous & James Weldon Johnson of the Harlem Renaissance. He goes on (and on about) Andy Warhol (in multiple sections) with a discerning tone about his relationship with models, Basquiat and black people. His interviewers are his friends and peers it seems so no deep questions are really asked or answered. The most transparent thing Lignon said was though he was drawn to Richard Pryor, utilizing Pryor’s words scared him. But again that’s as deep as he gets before switching topics. Honestly, he gave more attention to Robert Mapplethorpe.

Ultimately, I feel this reflects his self concept, queerness with an overarching a negotiation of his Blackness/Black identity -perception/Black Artist existence —- unconscious existentialism.

[Danielle]

So happy to have this book in my library. I really loved the order of the essays and interviews because I felt that it really allows you to understand Glenn Ligon’s thought processes and practices. Amazing book that brought me a lot of inspiration, and I will be referencing it often in my own practice.