Going There: Black Visual Satire (Hardcover) (ISBN-13: 9780300245745)

A kaleidoscopic survey of black satire in 20th- and 21st-century American art

In this groundbreaking study, Richard J. Powell investigates the visual forms of satire produced by black artists in 20th- and 21st-century America. Underscoring the historical use of visual satire as antiracist dissent and introspective critique, Powell argues that it has a distinctly African American lineage. Taking on some of the most controversial works of the past century--in all their complexity, humor, and provocation--Powell raises important questions about the social power of art.

Expansive in both historical reach and breadth of media presented, Going There interweaves discussions of such works as the midcentury cartoons of Ollie Harrington, the installations of Kara Walker, the paintings of Robert Colescott, and the movies of Spike Lee. Other artists featured in the book include David Hammons, Arthur Jafa, Beverly McIver, Howardena Pindell, Betye Saar, and Carrie Mae Weems. Thoroughly researched and rich in context, Going There is essential reading in the history of satire, racial politics, and contemporary art.

Published in association with the Hutchins Center for African & African American Research

Author: Richard J. Powell
ISBN-10: 0300245742
ISBN-13: 9780300245745
Publisher: Yale University Press
Language: English
Published: 11/03/2020
Pages: 240
Format: Hardcover
Weight: 2.25lbs
Size: 10.20h x 7.50w x 0.90d

Review Citation(s):
Choice 07/01/2021