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The Art of William Edmondson

Name: The Art of William Edmondson
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Book Synopsis: A native of Nashville and the son of former slaves, William Edmondson (1872 - 1951) was the first African American artist to be featured in a solo show at New York's Museum of Modern Art (1937). For this exhibition MoMA director Alfred Barr remarked, "Usually the naïve artist works in the easier medium of painting. Edmondson, however, has chosen to work in limestone, which he attacks with extraordinary courage and directness, to carve out simple, emphatic forms." Robert Bishop, the late director of the Museum of American Folk Art, declared Edmondson to be "one of the outstanding folk carvers--if not the outstanding one--of the twentieth century." Edmondson's first works were memorial gravestones. Later he created animal, human, and celestial figures. His carvings were inspired by his faith, community, and culture. He told the story of how God spoke to him. "I was out in the driveway with some old pieces of stone when I heard a voice telling me to pick up my tools and start to work on a tombstone. I looked up in the sky and right there in the noon daylight He hung a tombstone out for me to make." Showcasing Edmondson's sculpture and placing it in the mainstream of American art for the first time, this lavishly illustrated volume accompanies a traveling exhibition organized by the Cheekwood Museum of Art in Nashville. In new interpretations that challenge long-held views about Edmondson's artistic naivete, the essays emphasize his profound and intimate connection to his community and its traditions. Adding immeasurably to the understanding of Edmondson's art are photographs by Edward Weston, Louise Dahl-Wolfe, and Consuelo Kanaga that show the artist in his community and his workplace.

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Discover the extraordinary talent of William Edmondson, the first African American artist to be featured in a solo show at New York's Museum of Modern Art. His remarkable story is documented in this lavishly illustrated book, showcasing his sculptures and challenging long-held views about his artistic naivety. Explore the profound and intimate connection he had with his community and its traditions, as his carvings capture the essence of faith, culture, and the human spirit.

William Edmondson's artistry knows no bounds. With extraordinary courage and directness, he carved out simple, emphatic forms in limestone, creating sculptures that resonate with raw emotion. His work is a testament to his unwavering belief in his craft and his ability to breathe life into stone. Take a journey into the world of this exceptional folk carver and witness the power of his creations.

Prepare to be captivated by the beauty of William Edmondson's sculptures. Inspired by his faith and driven by a divine calling, he transformed stone into remarkable works of art. From memorial gravestones to animal, human, and celestial figures, every piece tells a story. Let these sculptures transport you to a place where the spiritual and artistic realms intertwine, leaving you in awe of Edmondson's unparalleled talent.

Don't miss the opportunity to delve into the rich artistic legacy of William Edmondson. This meticulously curated book presents a comprehensive collection of his sculptures, accompanied by exquisite photographs that capture the artist in his community and workplace. Immerse yourself in the artistry of this twentieth-century genius and gain a deeper understanding of his remarkable contributions to American folk art.

Ready to explore the artistry of William Edmondson? Uncover the rich legacy and profound connections behind his sculptures by purchasing your copy of "The Art of William Edmondson" today. Visit our website to learn more about this groundbreaking artist and immerse yourself in his extraordinary world.

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