Reframing the Black Figure - Introduction to Contemporary Black Figuration

Reframing the Black Figure is a visual giftbook that features a selection of contemporary artists exploring Black figuration through beautifully reproduced works and artists quotes. What happens when Black artists depict Black figures? What art does this produce, and what worlds of possibility does this reveal? - Ekow Eshun Reframing the Black Figure showcases more than 20 of the most important Black figurative artists working in the UK and US today. This visual giftbook introduces readers to the field of Black figuration by highlighting a selection of key works from the National Portrait Gallery exhibition, The Time is Always Now: Artists Reframe the Black Figure. Readers will encounter contemporary Black artists producing beautiful, urgent artworks that presents the Black form with nuance and depth. Richly illustrated with artworks and visual details, interspersed with illuminating quotations from contemporary and historical Black thinkers, poets and artists, this accessible publication offers an opportunity for readers to experience some of the most exciting artists depicting the Black form. Within this context, these artworks take on a dual role, as the accomplished work of individual artists on the one hand, and as a collective assertion of Black presence on the other. Featured artists include Hurvin Anderson, Michael Armitage, Jordan Casteel, Njideka Akunyili Crosby, Noah Davis, Godfried Donkor, Kimathi Donkor, Denzil Forrester, Lubaina Himid, Claudette Johnson, Titus Kaphar, Kerry James Marshall, Toyin Ojih Odutola, Chris Ofili, Jennifer Packer, Thomas J. Price, Nathaniel Mary Quinn, Lorna Simpson, Amy Sherald, Henry Taylor and Barbara Walker.