Product Description
This is a ground-breaking book that shows Africa's contributions to the global history of writing.Featured are 90 exceptional works of art: ritual objects, religous paintings and manuscripts, talismans, contemporary paintings and more.They explore the relationship between African art and the communicative powers of graphic systems, language and the written word. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

A must have for the art lover
I picked up this book after seeing the show at the Smithsonian (side note - the Museum of African Art is one of the hidden gems on the Mall).We were lucky enough to have a chance encounter with one of the books authors (Dr. Kreamer) and she give us a tour of the exhibit, which really made it come alive.This book has very clear pictures and insightful text, and effectively linked the various relationships among types of writing and graphics in African Art.Highly recommend it if you have seen the show or are an art scholar. ... Read more

Product Description
This is an authoritative survey of textile arts—unique and collectible rugs, tapestries, garments, and more—from all parts of Africa. Five sections detail the textile history and traditions of west, north, east, central, and southern Africa, examining materials, dyes, decorations, patterns, and techniques. 572 color, 12 b&w illustrations ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

Terrific Book
I found this terrific book by accident: from Google Images I was directed to Amazon.uk where I found this wonderful, very descriptive write up.Since it is such a thorough review of this book, I felt compelled to cut and paste it to share with you.Clearly, this book is destined to be very much the Bible on this subject:

"New in paperback, this book remains the most comprehensive survey of African textiles on the market today, illustrating in over 570 spectacular colour photographs the traditional, handcrafted, indigenous textiles of the whole continent. Covering, region by region, the handmade textiles ofWest, North, East, Central and Southern Africa, African Textiles outlines the vast array of techniques used as well as the different types of loom, materials and dyes that help to create these sumptuous textiles.With a useful glossary and map, a guide to collections open to the public, and suggestions for further reading, this book provides a wealth of information on the rich art of African textiles."

Well said.Note: 570 color photographs:I would only add: most are FULL PAGE.Truly remarkable.

Thank you Mr.Gillow!

An outstanding presentation any library strong in African art history will relish
John Gillow's AFRICAN TEXTILES: COLOR AND CREATIVITY ACROSS A CONTINENT is the first comprehensive survey to illustrate the textiles of the entire continent, region by region, covering the handmade textiles of every area and using an outline of techniques used to create the different works. Full color illustrations of items such as Pygmy bark cloth from the Congo and Ethiopian weavings makes for an outstanding presentation any library strong in African art history will relish.

Astounding creativity captured in a book
John Gillow's African Textiles is an inspiring review of the diverse creativity of textiles in Africa.I read this book before I travelled in south and south-eastern Africa and it helped me identify what I was seeing and its quality.A fantastic and well written resourse.

African Textiles in an Amazing Source
This book is a wonderful source of material for anyone doing historical research on African and subgroup textiles. It has sections from Ghana, Niger, Nigeria, Eastern African, etc. It goes in a good depth on the process and cultural influence of each textile and their signifigance. The illustrations are also an amazing quality with good size picture. As a Theatre Studies major, I had to research material for Nigerian costuming and this book was a nice resource to get a feel of the fabric in this region. Although this book doesn't go too much in depth about the attire Africans wore, it does go about telling what fabrics are used. This is definitely a must buy. ... Read more

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Patricia A. Banks traverses the New York and Atlanta art worlds to uncover how black identities are cultivated through black art patronage. Drawing on over 100 in-depth interviews, observations at arts events, and photographs of art displayed in homes, Banks elaborates a racial identity theory of consumption that highlights how upper-middle class blacks forge black identities for themselves and their children through the consumption of black visual art. She not only challenges common assumptions about elite cultural participation, but also contributes to the heated debate about the significance of race for elite blacks, and illuminates recent art world developments. In doing so, Banks documents how the salience of race extends into the cultural life of even the most socioeconomically successful blacks.

Book Description
Presenting concise overviews of artists and movements that are uniquely American, these volumes distill the essence of their subjects with authoritative texts and lavish illustrations.

A visual celebration of African American art from its beginnings in Colonial America up to the present day. From early folk art to contemporary prints, paintings, and sculpture, here is the remarkable fruit of America's black artistic heritage. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Anthology of Black Art
Crystal A. Britton has done a wonderful job tracing the history of Black Art from slavery to present day.This is more than a book of black art, it is a history book.Through the choice of visual examples used accompanied by the background of the era and artist of the time, the reader gets asense of the time in which the artist was living and thus the influencesupon their art at that time.This is truly a visual celebration of AfricanAmerican Art from its beginnings during slavery to present day with allstops in between.Folk art, contemporary art, paintings, prints andsculpture are all represented in this book giving a well-roundedrepresentation of the Black artist.I liked this book because it providesa one stop source for the background and style of many of the famous Blackartists of "my" time such as Romare Bearden, Elizabeth Catlettand James Van Der Zee. ... Read more

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The catalogue to a major exhibition, this work showcases the art of such African divinatory systems as those of the Azande, Luba, Yaka, Yoruba and Malagasy. It considers them for both their artistry and as mediums through which divine insights may be revealed. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Fabulous book on cross-cultural African divination rituals and ritual tools
This book offers fascinating information and pictures of little known divinatory tools from cultures across Africa.Whether your interest is art historical, religious, divinatory, cultural or something else entirely, there is information to engage you in this book.The photos are beautiful, and the book's format is large enough so the photos have enough room to shine.As an initiate of one of the New World religions derived from Ifa, I found inspiration in this book as well as information.Seeing the traditional tools of an Ifa diviner was thrilling to me.I recommend this book highly: it is first-rate. ... Read more

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Born into slavery on an Alabama plantation in 1853, Bill Traylor worked as a sharecropper for most of his life. But in 1928 he moved to Montgomery and changed his life, becoming a self-taught lyric painter of extraordinary ability and power. From 1936 to 1946, he sat on a street corner--old, ill, and homeless--and created well over 1,200 paintings. Collected and later promoted by Charles Shannon, a young Montgomery artist, his work received star placement in the Corcoran Gallery's 1982 exhibition "Black Folk Art in America." From then on, the spare and powerful "radical modernity" of Traylor's work helped place him among the rising stars of twentieth-century American artists. Most critics and art historians who analyze Traylor's paintings emphasize his extraordinary form and evaluate the content as either simple or enigmatic narratives of black life. In Painting a Hidden Life, historian Mechal Sobel's trenchant analysis reveals a previously unrecognized central core of meaning in Traylor's near-hidden symbolism--a call for retribution in response to acts of lynching and other violence toward blacks.

Drawing on historical records and oral histories, Sobel carefully explores the relationship between Traylor's life and his paintings and arrives at new interpretations of his art. From an interview with Traylor's great-granddaughter, Sobel learned that Traylor believed the Birmingham policemen who killed his son in 1929 in fact lynched him--a story that neither Traylor nor his family had previously disclosed. The trauma of this event, Sobel explains, propelled Traylor to find a way to voice his rage and spurred the creation of his powerful, mysterious visual language. Traylor's encoded paintings tell a vibrant, multilayered story of conjure power, sexual rivalry, and violence.

Revealing an extraordinarily diverse visual universe, the symbols in Traylor's paintings reflect the worlds he lived in between 1853 and 1949: the plantation conjure milieu into which he was born, the blues culture in which he matured, the world of Jim Crow he learned to secretly violate, and the Catholic values he adopted in his final years. From his African heritage, Traylor drew symbols not readily understood by whites. He mixed traditional African images with conjure signs, with symbols of black Baptists and Freemasons, and with images central to the hidden black protest movement--the cross and the lynching tree.

In this groundbreaking examination of an extraordinary artist, Sobel uncovers the internalized pain of several generations and traces the paths African Americans blazed long before the march down the Selma-Montgomery highway. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Bill Traylor, Representative of an Era
Painting a Hidden Life is a bold story from a man who could not read or write.His art tells the story and the author has read his art so we can know his story and that of so many others.Bill Traylor was representative of a generation of people who went through the transition from slavery to "freedom" in the United States.His life was like so many others, only his art made him standout.It expresses the pain and endurance of an injustice to many.The authorchronicles his life as much as possible to show how his art was shaped by his history.It is a very satifying read that gives a window into a seldom thought about piece of history. ... Read more

Product Description
The immense popularity of comics and graphic novels cannot be ignored. But in light of the comics boom that has taken place over the past 10 years, the artists, writers and publishers that make up the vibrant African American independent comics community have remained relatively unknown – until now. Black Comix brings together an unprecedented collection of largely unheard of, and undeniably masterful, comics art while also framing the work of these men and women in a broader historical and cultural context.

With a foreword by Keith Knight and over 50 contributors, including Phonzie Davis, Jan-Michael Franklin, Frances Liddell, Kenjji Marshall, Lance Tooks, Rob Stull, Ashley A. Woods and many, more, the cross section of comics genres represented includes manga, superheroes, humor, history, science fiction and fantasy. This book is a must-have for comics readers. ... Read more

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IllustratedIntroductory was writen by author Jan 22'45The Peoples and cultures of Africa, The W. African Culture of Dahomey, Patterns of African Art, Illustrations, and suggested readings10.5"h/8"w ... Read more

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Product Description
Over 200 authentic designs from Dahomey, Sierra Leone, Burkina Faso, Mali, Kenya, Ghana, other African nations depict such unusual configurations asstylized lions, birds, fish, alligators, totemic figures, abstracts, geometrics and zigzags. Adapted from shields, masks, jewelry, textiles and other sources for copyright-free use by artists, designers and craftworkers.
... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

OK sort of
This book had very few clip art designs that were of any use. The concentrated on some masks but no real designs. The other book had a CD in it and had all the same pictures too. This was a better investment. Wish I had known that before I wasted my money on both books. Neither were very good. Have several Dover clip art books and this was one of the most disappointing.

Traditional African Designs
Traditional African Designs is a book that includes over 200 pieces of clip art from various countries in Africa.The pictures include representations of people, animals, designs, borders, plants and jewelery. I found this book a great resource not only for graphic design and collageprojects, but also a great inspiration for jewelery design.

Traditional African Designs
Traditional African Designs is a book that includes over 200 pieces of clip art from various countries in Africa.The pictures include representations of people, animals, designs, borders, plants and jewelery. I found this book a great resource not only for graphic design and collageprojects, but also a great inspiration for jewelery design. ... Read more

Product Description

Every piece of African woodcarving has an embellished surface, whether it is dyed, pigmented, refurbished, or encrusted with sacrificial matter. Surfaces is the first book to present a detailed study of what happens to African wood sculpture from its creation to its ritual use and "retirement." The six essays by distinguished African art historians investigate cultural practices associated with surface decoration, the practitioners responsible for the applications, and the reasons for the use of specific materials. Luxurious color and black-and-white photographs embellish the text and illustrate the power and potency of African sculpture. A comprehensive listing of colorings and raw materials is also included. For students, museum professionals, and collectors, this book will become an important reference which inspires new appreciations of African art and artistry.

Product Description
The African diaspora—a direct result of the transatlantic slave trade and Western colonialism—generated a wide array of artistic achievements in the past century, from blues to reggae, from the paintings of Henry Ossawa Tanner to the video installations of Keith Piper. Richard Powell's study concentrates on the works of art themselves and on how these works, created during a time of major social upheaval and transformation, use black culture as both subject and context.

From musings on the "the souls of black folk" in early twentieth-century painting, sculpture, and photography to questions of racial and cultural identities in performance, media, and computer-assisted arts in the 1990s, the book draws on the works of hundreds of artists including Jean-Michel Basquiat, Romare Bearden, Elizabeth Catlett, Lois Mailou Jones, Wifredo Lam, Jacob Lawrence, Spike Lee, Archibald Motley, Jr., Faith Ringgold, and Gerard Sekoto.

This revised edition includes expanded coverage of video art and a new chapter that discusses work by a number of artists who have risen to prominence in the past five years, such as Chris Ofili, Kara Walker, and Renée Cox. Biographies of more than 170 key artists provide a unique art-historical reference.

Placing its emphasis on black cultural themes rather than on black racial identity, this groundbreaking book is an important exploration of the visual representations of black culture throughout the twentieth century and into the twenty-first. 190 illustrations, 36 in color. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Black Art is a Wonderful World of Art


I've been checking out a lot of art books, this year...
so I thought I follow suit and get a copy of this
lovely tome. It certainly is full of interesting images,
that are awe inspiring,thought provoking and very skilled.
I've come to admire the myriad of artists that are place
in this volume and feel, sad that some of their art was
destroyed by racists in certain instances. Fortunately,
there were black and white photographs taken of their art
before such a harsh reality took it from us,like
a thief in the night.

Regardless, I only have one bone to pick with the book.
The size of the reproductions are not big enough, to
satisfy my complete pleasure of collecting. But I love
it, nevertheless. Other than that... it's a great book!
And well worth being in any collector's hands.

A WORHTY ADDITION TO YOUR ART LIBRARY
This book is a worthy addition to the libarary of anyone who is interested in the art produced by African Americans and artists of the African diaspora. The renowned art historian Richard Powell is an astute and knowledgeable scholar who is able to make the various and wide ranging works come alive. No complicated, unecessary, and verbose "art speak" here, just clear, insightful writing about a subject the author knows intimately. The illustrations are fine, and provide ample and exciting visual evidence to support the written information. You will want to have this book and others by the same author on your bookshelf. ... Read more

Product Description
Images of outstanding African masks from the world’s leading museums and private collections reveal the splendor and majesty of these fascinating masterpieces.

The masks seen in these pages represent diversity and an aesthetic power that rivals the most renowned works of art from around the world. Originating from more than thirty countries throughout Africa, the masks featured here are shown in stunning full-page reproductions and accompanied by field photographs. Each mask reflects a strong personal and artistic vision, and embodies ancestors and beings from the spirit world. The selected masks can be identified by magic expression, noble proportions, and delicate surface detail. Enlightening commentary offers background information about the function and origins of the masks’ use within the ethnic groups from which they originate. A beautifully produced full-color foldout map places each mask in its original site, which together with the stunning reproductions, field photographs, and text, creates a magnificent celebration of African artistry and culture. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (6)

Spirits Speak
This book is a very nice review of African masks.I great majority of the images I have never seen before and thus makes this book a great resource for the subject.I have been researching masks for my own artistic endeavors, and this book has inspired me to explore more deeply the forms, colors and materials used in African maskmaking.The images are rich and large, so the details and craftsmanship are very evident.I highly recommend this book as a visual reference only, as not much is offered for literary commentary.

Spirits speak - big pictures, little information
I was looking for more in-depth information than was provided. It claims to be a superlative collection of the very best examples, but tells us little about the artwork and the selections are aesthetically arbitrary. A different smaller book,"African Masks" has many of the same pictures, is just as photographically comprehensive, and much more informative. This large book is redundant, but I suppose it is a nice coffee table book. I would rather have the space.

Beautiflly produced book of recycled pictures
The book is an excellent introduction the beauty of African masks for the beginning enthusiast, presenting excellent photographs of arguably some of the most beautiful examples of masks of the various tribes of Africa. For the more advanced enthusiast the book is a let-down - most of the images are recycled from other publications. There is a scarcity of new material and new examples. I can therefore recommend this book only for those who want to get a first visual impression of the wonderful arts of Africa, without getting into much ethnography or cultural background.

Breathtaking
This book is breathtakingly beautiful, AND contains massive amounts of well-organized scholarship on African Masks. Stepan begins with a beautifully written section that, besides tackling the misunderstandings the early collectors had of these masks, reconnects the masks with the communities who created them and the ceremonies in which they were (and still are) intimately connected. The plates that follow are exquisite and fill three-quarters of the book. But, in addition to all that, each mask which is presented on a full-color, full-page plate (the pages in this book are HUGE) is then explained in the Catalogue entries (by Iris Hahner). There is also a poster map of Africa showing the masks' places of origin. I am a professor of Humanities and borrowed this book from the library a few times . . . but then HAD to have one of my own.

A Celebration of African Masks
A wonderful book filled with great photographs and well wirtten text.Photographs illistrated, to allow the viewer to see every detail of each mask. A very informative book, almost like a museum tour, with the exception that the viewer will never see as many examples of African Masks in one place at one time. 100% Satisfaction ... Read more

Product Description
Art enthusiasts and lovers of American art have long considered collecting art a hobby reserved solely for the wealthy. "Collecting African American Art: Works on Paper and Canvas" (Revised Second Edition) effectively dispels this misconception. In these pages, lavishly illustrated with almost two hundred works by a wide range of artists, readers will find practical guidelines for becoming an informed colector, including specific criteria for working with dealers. By providing succinct advice on framing, insurance, and tax and estate planning, as well as pointers on how to care for one's collection, author Halima Taha makes collecting an enjoyable-and affordable-pastime for everyone. Combining a rich and diverse blend of aesthetic traditions from Africa, the Caribbean, and the United States, African American art has emerged as the most actively collected art in the marketplace. This guide presents both new and established artists and identifies dealers throughout the nation specializing in the field. Insightful and accessible, it is the first book to define the role of the collector of African American art. The result is a unique and essential guide to developing a meaningful and rewarding collection. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (9)

Great even for the beginning collector
This book is a must have for African Americans who are collectors of fine African American art.Gives great information regarding the artists and on what to look for in fine art.

Good Content
Although filled with very valuable information for anyone interested in collecting African American Art, I was looking for info on particular artist. I/E: James Denmark, Kadir Nelson, Alix Beaujour, Leroy Campbell,etc. These are just a few to give you an idea of what I was looking for. The book had great detailed info. I recommend this book to anyone...

A rare gem
If you have ever thought about purchasing a piece of art by an African American artist you should read this book.It is a rare gem.I met Ms. Taha at an opening some years ago at which time she told me she would be releasing this book, I had no idea it would be the treasure that it is.It is insightful, informative, beautifully illustrated, and gives you all the information needed to begin collecting art or to continue adding to your collection.Having a passion for art and the history of African American artist in this country, I want to thank Ms. Taha for encouring me to continue my pursuit for collecting and sharing much needed tools that will help me as I continue in this endeavor.

Two Thumbs up
Ms Taha hit the nail on the head. Anyone with an interest in African American Art, this book is a must buy. The Author, takes the reader step by step through the African American art Market. Any work presented in the work is a fine example of the work that a collector and or an art lover should own. Too often, collecting african american art is thought of as buying $50.00 posters and placing a $500.00 frame around the work. Ms Taha describes how African American Art is here for all and how one can begin the road to sucessful lover affair with ART. Please support this Author.

A much needed focus on our vital work.
This book is a wonderful addition to the library of African American Art History and a tremendous resource for both artist and collector.What an opportunity for the expansion of our work.Thanks, Halima. -Nadine LaFond,fine artist, Art Lives ... Read more

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These are just some of the works of art you will find in this stunning collection that pairs twenty poems by distinglushed African-American poets with twenty works of art by acclaimed African-American artists.

Alice Walker's poem "Women" -- about women who "battered down/Doors/And ironed/Starched white/Shirts" so their children would get a good education -- is paired with the breathtaking portrait Harriet Tubman, by William H. Johnson. The tender "Little Brown Baby" by poet Paul Laurence Dunbar, and artist Romare Bearden's Family reflect the deep love parents feel for their children.

African-American identity and history are powerfully evoked in art and poetry about slavery, racism, and black pride. But African-American poetry and art have no boundaries, and these poets and artists explore many other themes as well, that will touch your heart, and dazzle your eyes.

This important collection inspires imagination as it pairs splendid poets and artists in a way that has never been done before.

Editor Belinda Rochelle imaginatively pairs 20 poems by African American poets with 20 works of art by African American artists. Each poem and piece of art evokes the history, identity, and pride of African American people, whether it addresses slavery, family, childhood joy and woes, or racism. In Alice Walker's poem "How Poems Are Made: A Discredited View," she writes: "I know how poems are made. / There is a place the loss must go / There is a place the gain must go. / The leftover love." Readers will pore over this extraordinary compilation for hours, weeks, and years, as it becomes a permanent treasure in their collections. Artists and poets also include William H. Johnson, Gwendolyn Brooks, Paul Laurence Dunbar, and Nikki Giovanni. --Emilie Coulter ... Read more

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