Collecting African American Art
Collecting African American Art: The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston
“Collecting African American Art: The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston” is an essential softcover volume published by the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston. Co-authored by the eminent historian John Hope Franklin and curator Alvia J. Wardlaw, this beautifully illustrated 152-page book chronicles the preservation and celebration of African American visual culture.
Overview
This publication showcases both institutional and private efforts to collect, document, and preserve African American art in Houston, Texas. It serves as a testament to the dedication of collectors who recognized the immense historical and aesthetic value of Black art long before it achieved widespread mainstream museum representation.
Key Features & Content
- Historical Reflection: Features a passionate introductory essay by John Hope Franklin outlining his personal commitment to collecting and championing African American art.
- Masterwork Discussions: Curator Alvia J. Wardlaw provides insightful commentary on works by canonical figures such as Robert S. Duncanson, Henry Ossawa Tanner, Horace Pippin, and Bill Traylor.
- Contemporary Context: Explores modern and contemporary artistic contributions from figures like Kojo Griffin and Mequitta Ahuja.
- Material Culture: Expands beyond traditional canvas and paper to include important historical objects, such as quilts, pottery, and a custom-made desk crafted by an enslaved African American artisan.
- The Black Intelligensia: Investigates the crucial role played by African American educators and cultural leaders at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).
Book Specifications
- Title: Collecting African American Art: The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston
- Authors: John Hope Franklin and Alvia J. Wardlaw
- Publisher: Museum of Fine Arts, Houston (Distributed by Yale University Press)
- Publication Date: March 2009
- Format: Paperback / Softcover
- Page Count: 152 pages
- ISBN: 9780300152913
This book is an invaluable asset for historians, curators, art lovers, and independent collectors who wish to explore the rich lineage of African American visual arts through a uniquely localized and historical framework.
Mint as issued. [Black Studies]
$ 70.00
