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Seattle Picks: Black Artists

By:

SeattleNonficLibrarians

The Seattle Public Library

Staff-created list

Staff at The Seattle Public Library selected this list of books on the lives and works of Black artists, musicians, designers, and performers. (February 2021)

By:

SeattleNonficLibrarians

The Seattle Public Library

1-25 of 35 items

1-25 of 35 items

Among Others

Among Others

Blackness at MoMA

by English, Darby

Book - 2019

This expansive collection of essays on nearly 200 works in the collection of the Museum of Modern Art is the first substantial exploration of MoMA's uneve...Show more This expansive collection of essays on nearly 200 works in the collection of the Museum of Modern Art is the first substantial exploration of MoMA's uneven historical relationship with black artists, black audiences and the broader subject of racial blackness. -- publisher's copy Show less

This expansive collection of essays on nearly 200 works in the collection of the Museum of Modern Art is the first substantial exploration of MoMA's uneve...Show more This expansive collection of essays on nearly 200 works in the collection of the Museum of Modern Art is the first substantial exploration of MoMA's uneven historical relationship with black artists, black audiences and the broader subject of racial blackness. -- publisher's copy Show less

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Augusta Savage

Augusta Savage

Renaissance Woman

by Hayes, Jeffreen M.

Book - 2018

This is a timely, visual, exploration of the fascinating life and lasting legacy of sculptor Augusta Savage (1892-1962), who overcame poverty, racism, and...Show more This is a timely, visual, exploration of the fascinating life and lasting legacy of sculptor Augusta Savage (1892-1962), who overcame poverty, racism, and sexual discrimination to become one of America's most influential twentieth-century artists. -- publisher's copy Show less

This is a timely, visual, exploration of the fascinating life and lasting legacy of sculptor Augusta Savage (1892-1962), who overcame poverty, racism, and...Show more This is a timely, visual, exploration of the fascinating life and lasting legacy of sculptor Augusta Savage (1892-1962), who overcame poverty, racism, and sexual discrimination to become one of America's most influential twentieth-century artists. -- publisher's copy Show less

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Basquiat's Defacement

Basquiat's Defacement

The Untold Story

by LaBouvier, Chaédria

Book - 2019

Defacement (The Death of Michael Stewart) was in direct response to an event that rocked the New York City art community. In 1983, 25-year-old artist Mich...Show more Defacement (The Death of Michael Stewart) was in direct response to an event that rocked the New York City art community. In 1983, 25-year-old artist Michael Stewart died from injuries sustained while in police custody after being arrested. This volume, published alongside the Basquiat exhibition Defacement, curated by activist and writer LaBouvier, explores the context in which this work was created. -- Library Journal Show less

Defacement (The Death of Michael Stewart) was in direct response to an event that rocked the New York City art community. In 1983, 25-year-old artist Mich...Show more Defacement (The Death of Michael Stewart) was in direct response to an event that rocked the New York City art community. In 1983, 25-year-old artist Michael Stewart died from injuries sustained while in police custody after being arrested. This volume, published alongside the Basquiat exhibition Defacement, curated by activist and writer LaBouvier, explores the context in which this work was created. -- Library Journal Show less

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Black Built

Black Built

History and Architecture in the Black Community

by Wellington, Paul

Book -

This book explores over forty works by Black architects and their impact in the Black community. A wide variety of projects are featured, from residences ...Show more This book explores over forty works by Black architects and their impact in the Black community. A wide variety of projects are featured, from residences of affluent African Americans, to historic churches, to memorials and museums of Black culture and history. -- publisher's copy Show less

This book explores over forty works by Black architects and their impact in the Black community. A wide variety of projects are featured, from residences ...Show more This book explores over forty works by Black architects and their impact in the Black community. A wide variety of projects are featured, from residences of affluent African Americans, to historic churches, to memorials and museums of Black culture and history. -- publisher's copy Show less

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Black Comix Returns

Black Comix Returns

by Jennings, John

Book - 2018

In 2010, Eisner Award--winning creators Jennings and Duffy published a meaty collection of art and essays spotlighting African American comics and creator...Show more In 2010, Eisner Award--winning creators Jennings and Duffy published a meaty collection of art and essays spotlighting African American comics and creators. This sumptuous sequel introduces new perspectives as well as refreshes the record of those profiled earlier to showcase nearly 90 artists, a half-dozen background essays, and a directory of black comics conventions. -- Library Journal Show less

In 2010, Eisner Award--winning creators Jennings and Duffy published a meaty collection of art and essays spotlighting African American comics and creator...Show more In 2010, Eisner Award--winning creators Jennings and Duffy published a meaty collection of art and essays spotlighting African American comics and creators. This sumptuous sequel introduces new perspectives as well as refreshes the record of those profiled earlier to showcase nearly 90 artists, a half-dozen background essays, and a directory of black comics conventions. -- Library Journal Show less

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Black Futures

Black Futures

Book - 2020

Edited by writer Drew and journalist Wortham, this collection brings together wide-ranging, often experimental writing and art responding to the question: "What does it mean to be Black and alive right now?" -- Library Journal Edited by writer Drew and journalist Wortham, this collection brings together wide-ranging, often experimental writing and art responding to the question: "What does it mean to be Black and alive right now?" -- Library Journal Show less

Edited by writer Drew and journalist Wortham, this collection brings together wide-ranging, often experimental writing and art responding to the question: "What does it mean to be Black and alive right now?" -- Library Journal Edited by writer Drew and journalist Wortham, this collection brings together wide-ranging, often experimental writing and art responding to the question: "What does it mean to be Black and alive right now?" -- Library Journal Show less

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Black Imagination

Black Imagination

Book - 2020

An amalgamation of black thought, poetry, rituals, inspiration, hope, and yes, imaginings of what healing might look like amid an inequitable existence. -- The Root An amalgamation of black thought, poetry, rituals, inspiration, hope, and yes, imaginings of what healing might look like amid an inequitable existence. -- The Root Show less

An amalgamation of black thought, poetry, rituals, inspiration, hope, and yes, imaginings of what healing might look like amid an inequitable existence. -- The Root An amalgamation of black thought, poetry, rituals, inspiration, hope, and yes, imaginings of what healing might look like amid an inequitable existence. -- The Root Show less

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Black Opera

Black Opera

History, Power, Engagement

by André, Naomi Adele

Book - 2018

André, Seattle Opera’s inaugural scholar in residence, "reveals how black opera unearths suppressed truths. These truths provoke complex, if uncomfor...Show more André, Seattle Opera’s inaugural scholar in residence, "reveals how black opera unearths suppressed truths. These truths provoke complex, if uncomfortable, reconsideration of racial, gender, sexual, and other oppressive ideologies." -- publisher's copy Show less

André, Seattle Opera’s inaugural scholar in residence, "reveals how black opera unearths suppressed truths. These truths provoke complex, if uncomfor...Show more André, Seattle Opera’s inaugural scholar in residence, "reveals how black opera unearths suppressed truths. These truths provoke complex, if uncomfortable, reconsideration of racial, gender, sexual, and other oppressive ideologies." -- publisher's copy Show less

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The Butterfly Effect

The Butterfly Effect

How Kendrick Lamar Ignited the Soul of Black America

by Moore, Marcus J.

Book - 2020

A cultural portrait of the Pulitzer Prize-winning rap superstar documents his coming-of-age as an artist, his genius as a lyricist, and his profound impact on today's racially fraught America. -- publisher's copy A cultural portrait of the Pulitzer Prize-winning rap superstar documents his coming-of-age as an artist, his genius as a lyricist, and his profound impact on today's racially fraught America. -- publisher's copy Show less

A cultural portrait of the Pulitzer Prize-winning rap superstar documents his coming-of-age as an artist, his genius as a lyricist, and his profound impact on today's racially fraught America. -- publisher's copy A cultural portrait of the Pulitzer Prize-winning rap superstar documents his coming-of-age as an artist, his genius as a lyricist, and his profound impact on today's racially fraught America. -- publisher's copy Show less

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Carrie Mae Weems

Carrie Mae Weems

Kitchen Table Series

by Weems, Carrie Mae

Book - 2016

The first publication dedicated solely to this early and important body of work by the American artist Carrie Mae Weems. -- publisher's copy The first publication dedicated solely to this early and important body of work by the American artist Carrie Mae Weems. -- publisher's copy Show less

The first publication dedicated solely to this early and important body of work by the American artist Carrie Mae Weems. -- publisher's copy The first publication dedicated solely to this early and important body of work by the American artist Carrie Mae Weems. -- publisher's copy Show less

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Charles White

Charles White

A Retrospective

Book - 2018

Scholars and artists alike will discover White's bold talents in this well-documented exploration of an artist whose powerful messages still speak to us loud and clear. -- Library Journal Scholars and artists alike will discover White's bold talents in this well-documented exploration of an artist whose powerful messages still speak to us loud and clear. -- Library Journal Show less

Scholars and artists alike will discover White's bold talents in this well-documented exploration of an artist whose powerful messages still speak to us loud and clear. -- Library Journal Scholars and artists alike will discover White's bold talents in this well-documented exploration of an artist whose powerful messages still speak to us loud and clear. -- Library Journal Show less

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Dance We Do

Dance We Do

A Poet Explores Black Dance

by Shange, Ntozake

Book - 2020

An elegant and eloquent work by an artist who left us too soon that recognizes and celebrates the unique contributions of Black dancers and choreographers. -- Booklist An elegant and eloquent work by an artist who left us too soon that recognizes and celebrates the unique contributions of Black dancers and choreographers. -- Booklist Show less

An elegant and eloquent work by an artist who left us too soon that recognizes and celebrates the unique contributions of Black dancers and choreographers. -- Booklist An elegant and eloquent work by an artist who left us too soon that recognizes and celebrates the unique contributions of Black dancers and choreographers. -- Booklist Show less

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Dancing in Blackness

Dancing in Blackness

A Memoir

by Osumare, Halifu

Book - 2018

In this equal parts memoir, autoethnography, history, encyclopedic catalog, and sociocultural analysis, [Osumare] traces her activities from the 1960s through the late 1990s, as she becomes a tenacious advocate for black dance. -- Library Journal In this equal parts memoir, autoethnography, history, encyclopedic catalog, and sociocultural analysis, [Osumare] traces her activities from the 1960s through the late 1990s, as she becomes a tenacious advocate for black dance. -- Library Journal Show less

In this equal parts memoir, autoethnography, history, encyclopedic catalog, and sociocultural analysis, [Osumare] traces her activities from the 1960s through the late 1990s, as she becomes a tenacious advocate for black dance. -- Library Journal In this equal parts memoir, autoethnography, history, encyclopedic catalog, and sociocultural analysis, [Osumare] traces her activities from the 1960s through the late 1990s, as she becomes a tenacious advocate for black dance. -- Library Journal Show less

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Dapper Dan

Dapper Dan

Made in Harlem : A Memoir

by Day, Daniel R.

Book - 2019

In this moving memoir, Day (aka Dapper Dan) chronicles his rise from a poor black boy growing up in 1940s Harlem to becoming a notable designer of streetwear. -- Publishers Weekly In this moving memoir, Day (aka Dapper Dan) chronicles his rise from a poor black boy growing up in 1940s Harlem to becoming a notable designer of streetwear. -- Publishers Weekly Show less

In this moving memoir, Day (aka Dapper Dan) chronicles his rise from a poor black boy growing up in 1940s Harlem to becoming a notable designer of streetwear. -- Publishers Weekly In this moving memoir, Day (aka Dapper Dan) chronicles his rise from a poor black boy growing up in 1940s Harlem to becoming a notable designer of streetwear. -- Publishers Weekly Show less

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Fired Up! Ready to Go!

Fired Up! Ready to Go!

Finding Beauty, Demanding Equity : An African American Life in Art : the Collections of Peggy Cooper Cafritz

by Cafritz, Peggy Cooper

Book - 2018

Cafritz's dedication to and appreciation of black artists is evident throughout this magnificent book. -- Publishers Weekly Cafritz's dedication to and appreciation of black artists is evident throughout this magnificent book. -- Publishers Weekly Show less

Cafritz's dedication to and appreciation of black artists is evident throughout this magnificent book. -- Publishers Weekly Cafritz's dedication to and appreciation of black artists is evident throughout this magnificent book. -- Publishers Weekly Show less

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Go Ahead in the Rain

Go Ahead in the Rain

Notes to A Tribe Called Quest

by Abdurraqib, Hanif

Book - 2019

Poet Abdurraqib follows up his collection of music criticism They Can't Kill Us Until They Kill Us with an impassioned, incisive biography cum memoir arguing for hip-hop's importance to the black youth of his generation. -- Publishers Weekly Poet Abdurraqib follows up his collection of music criticism They Can't Kill Us Until They Kill Us with an impassioned, incisive biography cum memoir arguing for hip-hop's importance to the black youth of his generation. -- Publishers Weekly Show less

Poet Abdurraqib follows up his collection of music criticism They Can't Kill Us Until They Kill Us with an impassioned, incisive biography cum memoir arguing for hip-hop's importance to the black youth of his generation. -- Publishers Weekly Poet Abdurraqib follows up his collection of music criticism They Can't Kill Us Until They Kill Us with an impassioned, incisive biography cum memoir arguing for hip-hop's importance to the black youth of his generation. -- Publishers Weekly Show less

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Henry Taylor

Henry Taylor

The Only Portrait I Ever Painted of My Momma Was Stolen

by Taylor, Henry

Book - 2018

Suites of Taylor's paintings are reproduced alongside handwritten accounts of the sittings, offering an in-depth understanding of the artist's world. -- publisher's copy Suites of Taylor's paintings are reproduced alongside handwritten accounts of the sittings, offering an in-depth understanding of the artist's world. -- publisher's copy Show less

Suites of Taylor's paintings are reproduced alongside handwritten accounts of the sittings, offering an in-depth understanding of the artist's world. -- publisher's copy Suites of Taylor's paintings are reproduced alongside handwritten accounts of the sittings, offering an in-depth understanding of the artist's world. -- publisher's copy Show less

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I Am You

I Am You

Selected Works, 1942-1978

by Parks, Gordon

Book - 2016

Injustice, violence, the rise of the American civil rights movement, high fashion and the arts—Gordon Parks captured half a century of the vast changes to the American cultural landscape in his multi-faceted career. -- publisher's description Injustice, violence, the rise of the American civil rights movement, high fashion and the arts—Gordon Parks captured half a century of the vast changes to the American cultural landscape in his multi-faceted career. -- publisher's description Show less

Injustice, violence, the rise of the American civil rights movement, high fashion and the arts—Gordon Parks captured half a century of the vast changes to the American cultural landscape in his multi-faceted career. -- publisher's description Injustice, violence, the rise of the American civil rights movement, high fashion and the arts—Gordon Parks captured half a century of the vast changes to the American cultural landscape in his multi-faceted career. -- publisher's description Show less

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I Too Sing America

I Too Sing America

The Harlem Renaissance at 100

by Haygood, Wil

Book - 2018

Celebrates the visual art and material culture of the Harlem Renaissance, illuminating the lives of its people, the art, the literature, the music, and th...Show more Celebrates the visual art and material culture of the Harlem Renaissance, illuminating the lives of its people, the art, the literature, the music, and the social history through paintings, prints, photography, sculpture, and contemporary documents and ephemera. -- publisher's copy Show less

Celebrates the visual art and material culture of the Harlem Renaissance, illuminating the lives of its people, the art, the literature, the music, and th...Show more Celebrates the visual art and material culture of the Harlem Renaissance, illuminating the lives of its people, the art, the literature, the music, and the social history through paintings, prints, photography, sculpture, and contemporary documents and ephemera. -- publisher's copy Show less

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Jacob Lawrence

Jacob Lawrence

The American Struggle

Book - 2019

The American Struggle explores Jacob Lawrence's radical way of transforming history into art by looking at his thirty panel series of paintings, Struggle . . . from the History of the American People (1954-56). -- publisher's copy The American Struggle explores Jacob Lawrence's radical way of transforming history into art by looking at his thirty panel series of paintings, Struggle . . . from the History of the American People (1954-56). -- publisher's copy Show less

The American Struggle explores Jacob Lawrence's radical way of transforming history into art by looking at his thirty panel series of paintings, Struggle . . . from the History of the American People (1954-56). -- publisher's copy The American Struggle explores Jacob Lawrence's radical way of transforming history into art by looking at his thirty panel series of paintings, Struggle . . . from the History of the American People (1954-56). -- publisher's copy Show less

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Just as I Am

Just as I Am

A Memoir

by Tyson, Cicely

Book - 2021

In her spirited debut memoir, actor Tyson recalls her extraordinary life, as well as the racial and gender stereotyping, movie-business prejudice, and ill-behaved men that shaped her seven-decade career. -- Publishers Weekly In her spirited debut memoir, actor Tyson recalls her extraordinary life, as well as the racial and gender stereotyping, movie-business prejudice, and ill-behaved men that shaped her seven-decade career. -- Publishers Weekly Show less

In her spirited debut memoir, actor Tyson recalls her extraordinary life, as well as the racial and gender stereotyping, movie-business prejudice, and ill-behaved men that shaped her seven-decade career. -- Publishers Weekly In her spirited debut memoir, actor Tyson recalls her extraordinary life, as well as the racial and gender stereotyping, movie-business prejudice, and ill-behaved men that shaped her seven-decade career. -- Publishers Weekly Show less

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Kara Walker

Kara Walker

Fons Americanus: Hyundai Commission

by Kim, Clara (EDT)/ Smith, Zadie (CON)/ Walker, Kara (CON)

Book - 2020

This compact volume documents the installation of Fons Americanus, a sculpture by contemporary American artist Kara Walker, on view at the Tate Modern, Lo...Show more This compact volume documents the installation of Fons Americanus, a sculpture by contemporary American artist Kara Walker, on view at the Tate Modern, London, from October 2019 to April 2020. Walker's art investigates themes of race, violence, and sexuality as they intersect historical narratives concerning slavery and the Atlantic slave trade. -- Library Journal Show less

This compact volume documents the installation of Fons Americanus, a sculpture by contemporary American artist Kara Walker, on view at the Tate Modern, Lo...Show more This compact volume documents the installation of Fons Americanus, a sculpture by contemporary American artist Kara Walker, on view at the Tate Modern, London, from October 2019 to April 2020. Walker's art investigates themes of race, violence, and sexuality as they intersect historical narratives concerning slavery and the Atlantic slave trade. -- Library Journal Show less

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Kerry James Marshall

Kerry James Marshall

Mastry

by Marshall, Kerry James

Book - 2016

Best known for large-scale interiors, landscapes, and portraits featuring powerful black figures, Marshall explores narratives of African American history...Show more Best known for large-scale interiors, landscapes, and portraits featuring powerful black figures, Marshall explores narratives of African American history from slave ships to the present and draws upon his deep knowledge of art history from the Renaissance to twentieth-century abstraction, as well as other sources such as the comic book and the muralist tradition. -- publisher's copy Show less

Best known for large-scale interiors, landscapes, and portraits featuring powerful black figures, Marshall explores narratives of African American history...Show more Best known for large-scale interiors, landscapes, and portraits featuring powerful black figures, Marshall explores narratives of African American history from slave ships to the present and draws upon his deep knowledge of art history from the Renaissance to twentieth-century abstraction, as well as other sources such as the comic book and the muralist tradition. -- publisher's copy Show less

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Kwame Brathwaite

Kwame Brathwaite

Black Is Beautiful

by Brathwaite, Kwame

Book - 2019

In the late 1950s and throughout the 1960s, Kwame Brathwaite used his photography to popularize the political slogan “Black Is Beautiful.” This monograph—...Show more In the late 1950s and throughout the 1960s, Kwame Brathwaite used his photography to popularize the political slogan “Black Is Beautiful.” This monograph—the first ever dedicated to Brathwaite’s remarkable career—tells the story of a key, but under-recognized, figure of the second Harlem Renaissance. -- publisher's copy Show less

In the late 1950s and throughout the 1960s, Kwame Brathwaite used his photography to popularize the political slogan “Black Is Beautiful.” This monograph—...Show more In the late 1950s and throughout the 1960s, Kwame Brathwaite used his photography to popularize the political slogan “Black Is Beautiful.” This monograph—the first ever dedicated to Brathwaite’s remarkable career—tells the story of a key, but under-recognized, figure of the second Harlem Renaissance. -- publisher's copy Show less

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Lorna Simpson Collages

Lorna Simpson Collages

Book - 2018

Hair plays significantly in the work of Brooklyn artist Simpson, as poet Elizabeth Alexander notes in her introduction to this electrifying monograph of S...Show more Hair plays significantly in the work of Brooklyn artist Simpson, as poet Elizabeth Alexander notes in her introduction to this electrifying monograph of Simpson's collages: "Black women's heads of hair are galaxies unto themselves, solar systems, moonscapes, volcanic interiors. The hair [Simpson] paints has a mind of its own. It is sinuous and cloudy and fully alive. It is forest and ocean, its own emotional weather." -- Publishers Weekly Show less

Hair plays significantly in the work of Brooklyn artist Simpson, as poet Elizabeth Alexander notes in her introduction to this electrifying monograph of S...Show more Hair plays significantly in the work of Brooklyn artist Simpson, as poet Elizabeth Alexander notes in her introduction to this electrifying monograph of Simpson's collages: "Black women's heads of hair are galaxies unto themselves, solar systems, moonscapes, volcanic interiors. The hair [Simpson] paints has a mind of its own. It is sinuous and cloudy and fully alive. It is forest and ocean, its own emotional weather." -- Publishers Weekly Show less

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