Primitive: The Art and Life of Horace H. Pippin

by Janice N. Harrington

A lyrical and biographical reflection on the art and life of Horace H. Pippin—the best-known African American artist of his time— Primitive offers a searching critique of the condescension to African American folk art as supposedly “primitive,” and it also critiques the underestimation of African American life and imagination in the broader American consciousness. Award-winning poet Janice N. Harrington connects readers to this fascinating, odds-defying artist, all while underscoring the human craving for artistic expression.

Genres: Poetry

104 pages, Paperback

Published October 11, 2016

About the author

Harrington’s writing reflects her beginnings in rural Alabama and her life in the Midwest. A former librarian and professional storyteller, Harrington now teaches creative writing in the Department of English at the University of Illinois.

-from janiceharrington.com

Reviews

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

In this book of research-based poetry, Harrington explores many poetic structures in order to honor an untold story. Her academic research is clear. Her passion, her sense of justice, and her argument against careless criticism are admirable.

[Calvin]

Excellent poetry sequence telling the story of a somewhat forgotten African-American Painter.

[Genevieve]

"Red is the color that asks / for a body, even this body you failed to save." (39)