Description
Book Synopsis: A wide-ranging survey of Black art in the American South, from Thornton Dial and Nellie Mae Rowe to the quilters of Gee’s BendFor generations, Black artists from the American South have forged a unique art tradition. Working in near isolation from established practices, they have created masterpieces in clay, driftwood, roots, soil, and recycled and cast-off objects that articulate America’s painful past—the inhuman practice of enslavement, the cruel segregationist policies of the Jim Crow era and institutionalized racism. Their works respond to issues ranging from economic inequality, oppression and social marginalization to sexuality, the influence of place and ancestral memory.
Among the sculptures, paintings, reliefs and drawings included here—the majority from the Souls Grown Deep Foundation in Atlanta—are works by Thornton Dial, Lonnie Holley, Ronald Lockett, Hawkins Bolden, Bessie Harvey, Charles Williams, Mary T. Smith, Purvis Young, Mose Tolliver, Nellie Mae Rowe, Mary Lee Bendolph, Marlene Bennett Jones, Martha Jane Pettway, Loretta Pettway and Henry and Georgia Speller. Also featured are the celebrated quiltmakers of Gee’s Bend, Alabama, and work from the neighboring communities of Rehoboth and Alberta.
Details
Souls Grown Deep like the Rivers: Black Artists from the American South is an extraordinary book that takes you on a captivating journey through the rich artistic traditions of Black artists in the American South. Delve into the world of masterpieces created from clay, driftwood, roots, soil, and recycled objects, reflecting America's painful past of enslavement and institutionalized racism. This wide-ranging survey showcases the genius of artists like Thornton Dial, Lonnie Holley, Mary T. Smith, and many others, leaving no space for doubt about the profound impact of their works.
Immerse yourself in the soul-stirring beauty that emerges from the near isolation these artists experienced. Their craftsmanship and creativity have crafted pieces that transcend mere aesthetics; they stand as powerful voices against economic inequality, oppression, and social marginalization. The artworks also explore the influence of place, ancestral memory, and even sexuality, forming a heartfelt testament to the resilience and strength of the human spirit.
With a majority of the artworks sourced from the prestigious Souls Grown Deep Foundation in Atlanta, this book presents an unparalleled collection of sculptures, paintings, reliefs, and drawings. The celebrated quiltmakers of Gee’s Bend, Alabama, and other neighboring communities showcase their exceptional quilting skills, demonstrating a level of artistry that has earned them well-deserved acclaim.
Don't miss your chance to own a piece of history, skillfully captured within the pages of Souls Grown Deep like the Rivers: Black Artists from the American South. As you explore the vibrant imagery and stories contained within this treasury of art, you will be moved, inspired, and left with a profound appreciation for these remarkable artists and the legacy they have created.
Discover More Best Sellers in Collections, Catalogs & Exhibitions
Shop Collections, Catalogs & Exhibitions
The Queen's Dolls' House: A Dollhouse Made for Queen Mary
$20.96


$32.49


Scenes of New York City: The Elie and Sarah Hirschfeld Collection
$34.49


The Alamo and Beyond: A Collector's Journey
$59.11


Tintoretto: Artist of Renaissance Venice
$125.00


In the Vanguard: Haystack Mountain School of Crafts, 1950-1969
$54.73
