Includes bibliographical references (pages 193-204) and index.
Contents:
Preface: picturing Black Power. Part 1 "Black arts we make": aesthetics, collaboration, and social identity in the visual art of Black Power : Introduction to Part 1 -- Pedigree of the Black Arts Movement: the March on Washington, death of Malcolm X, and free jazz -- Organization of Black American culture: a show of respect -- African commune of bad relevant artists: forging a Black aesthetic -- "New perspectives in Black art": an Oakland class of '68 says "Black Lives Matter". Part 2 The Black Panther Party in photography and print ephemera : Introduction to part 2 -- Huey P. Newton enthroned: iconic image of Black Power -- Eldridge Cleaver's visual acumen and the coalition of Black Power with white resistance -- Emory Douglas: revolutionary artist and visual theorist -- Picturing the female revolutionary. Bibliography -- Index.
Summary:
This book examines a range of visual expressions of Black Power across American art and popular culture from 1965 through 1972. It begins with case studies of artist groups, including Spiral, OBAC and AfriCOBRA, who began questioning Western aesthetic traditions and created work that honored leaders, affirmed African American culture, and embraced an African lineage. Also showcased is an Oakland Museum exhibition of 1968 called "New Perspectives in Black Art," as a way to consider if Black Panther Party activities in the neighborhood might have impacted local artists' work. The concluding chapters concentrate on the relationship between selected Black Panther Party members and visual culture, focusing on how they were covered by the mainstream press, and how they self-represented to promote Party doctrine and agendas.
This resource is supported by the Institute of Museum and Library Services under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act as administered by State Library of Iowa.