Two new releases, both published within the last month, focus on the Black experience in art, centering both Black artists and subjects (see links below). 

BLK Art: The Audacious Legacy of Black Artists and Models in Western Art by Zaria Ware: Independent curator Zaria Ware wrote BLK ART because she “never saw herself or any people of color celebrated” in history. With chapter titles like “Ne Touche Pas à Mes Cheveux (Don’t Touch My Hair),” Ware wields her unique voice in the perfect art history primer for both novices and scholars alike. 

Black Archives: A Photographic Celebration of Black Life by Renata Cherlise: Cherlise is a visual artist who developed the website Black Archives, which looks at visual narratives (both historical and modern) from across the African diaspora. The project evolved from that point to include social media feeds (Instagram and Twitter) as well as partnerships with Getty Images and puzzles sold at Target and Macy’s. Cherlise also wrote an article last February for MoMA Magazine, where she selected images of Black people in their everyday lived experiences. 

For further research, check out Oxford Art Online (a resource that is only available for CLP cardholders), which has curated a resource page on African American Art. 

You can sign up for a free library card here.   

If you are new to our eResources, check out these tutorial videos on how to get started.      

If you’re looking for more book suggestions, we’re happy to recommend them to you! Use this Book Recommendation form to send us some information about what you like to read and we’ll curate a list just for you.     

If you have any additional questions, you can contact a librarian through Facebook, Instagram or Twitter. You can also call us at 412.622.3114 or email us at info@carnegielibrary.org.