Description
Book Synopsis: A groundbreaking examination of modern African artists and their relationships with American artists and cultural institutions in the mid-twentieth century
Between 1947 and 1967, institutions such as the Harmon Foundation, the Museum of Modern Art, New York, and historically Black colleges and universities collected and exhibited works by many of the most important African artists of the mid-twentieth century, including Ben Enwonwu (Nigeria), Gerard Sekoto (South Africa), Ibrahim El-Salahi (Sudan), and Skunder Boghossian (Ethiopia). The inventive and irrefutably contemporary nature of these artists’ paintings, sculptures, and works on paper defied typical Western narratives about African art being isolated in a “primitive” past.
Providing an unprecedented examination of the complex connections between modern African artists and American patrons amid the interlocking histories of civil rights, decolonization, and the Cold War, this fascinating volume reveals a transcontinental network of artists, curators, and scholars that challenged assumptions about African art in the United States and encouraged American engagement with African artists as contemporaries
Distributed for the American Federation of Arts
Exhibition Schedule:
Fisk University Galleries, Nashville, TN (October 6, 2022–February 11, 2023)
Mildred Lane Kemper Art Museum, Sam Fox School of Design & Visual Arts, Washington University, St. Louis, MO (March 10–August 6, 2023)
The Phillips Collection, Washington, DC (October 7, 2023–January 7, 2024)
Taft Museum of Art, Cincinnati, OH (February 10–May 19, 2024)
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Discover the groundbreaking exploration of modern African artists and their profound impact on American culture in the mid-twentieth century. The book "African Modernism in America" uncovers the captivating relationships between African artists and American institutions during a transformative period. From the Harmon Foundation to the Museum of Modern Art, these institutions recognized the brilliance of artists such as Ben Enwonwu, Gerard Sekoto, Ibrahim El-Salahi, and Skunder Boghossian. Their works challenged Western perceptions of African art, debunking the notion of it being stuck in a "primitive" past.
This unprecedented examination of modern African artists and American patrons delves into the interconnected histories of civil rights, decolonization, and the Cold War. The book uncovers a remarkable transcontinental network of artists, curators, and scholars who defied assumptions about African art and fostered an environment of collaboration and contemporary engagement. By encouraging American audiences to appreciate African art as contemporaries, this transformative era laid the foundation for a new perspective on art and culture.
Immerse yourself in the remarkable exhibition schedule accompanying this book, beginning with the Fisk University Galleries in Nashville, TN. From there, the tour continues at the Mildred Lane Kemper Art Museum in St. Louis, MO, followed by The Phillips Collection in Washington, DC, and the Taft Museum of Art in Cincinnati, OH. Don't miss this opportunity to witness the fusion of African and American artistic expressions that challenged the status quo and shaped cultural understanding.
Get your hands on "African Modernism in America" and embark on a journey that will expand your horizons and deepen your appreciation for the rich tapestry of artistic history. Order your copy now and explore the fascinating connections between African artists and American patrons during this pivotal era of cultural transformation.
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