Overview
Amid the significant movement of our nation and in efforts to lift Black voices, our June book recommendations address and highlight the lack of Black representation in the art world, underline how systematic racism has contributed to this and other injustices for Black Americans, and offer insights on how art can contribute to much-needed change.
Art and Upheaval: Artists on the World’s Frontlines
Author: William Cleveland
Why You Should Read
“This beautifully written book reads like a collection of stories from voices across the world, woven together to exemplify the power of art as a tool for activism. It helps us understand that activist art isn’t just a thing in countries often thought of as being in peril, and art for change isn’t limited to visual arts. Art and Upheaval sheds light on stories from Australia, South Africa, the United States, Serbia, and more, and lifts up voices of artists who create with purpose through visual, performance, and language arts. Art is a universal language; even when words can’t be understood, creative expressions speak loud and clear.”
– Laura Bocquin, MMFA Assistant Curator of Education
Where to Read
Exhibiting Blackness: African Americans and the American Art Museum
Author: Bridget R. Cooks
Why She Wrote It
“Visiting and working in mainstream museums, I found the regular omission of art on view that had been created by African American artists. When there was an art exhibition of their work, I noticed a few other things: First, African American artists were featured in museums within group exhibitions about Black identity. They were not regularly shown in thematic-based exhibitions organized around a style of art or specific topic. And rarely was their work shown alongside artists who were not Black; Second, the object labels for art by African American artists stated that the artists were Black, however, labels for art by White artists did not identify them as White. Third, when an exhibition of works by African American artists was on view, the majority of White museum visitors who commented to me about the exhibition stated that they had never seen art by an African American artist before. They believed that the exhibition was the first of its kind, and they wanted to know more.
What most people did not know was that there have been African American artists for hundreds of years. There has also been a history of White supremacy in museums since their origins in the nineteenth century. I wanted to create a well-researched text and critical analysis that would make the history of African Americans and art museums accessible. My hope was for American art museums and art critics to do better work in the future.”
– Bridget R. Cooks
Where to Read
Resources
This Is What I Know About Art
Author: Kimberly Drew
Why You Should Read
“This book delves into the hidden (or not so hidden) obstacles that minorities face when trying to enter the art realm. In this book, Drew exposes the realities of Black professionals entering the art world–the wage disparities, the lack of opportunities, the absence of Black artists in a variety of appropriate spaces, the burden of dealing with white guilt. She also discusses why and how Black people do not engage with art and museums in the same way. Through this work, the reader becomes enlightened and empowered, something that is greatly needed in today’s world.”
– Cassandra Cavness, MMFA Development Assistant
Where to Read
Physical: Amazon, Bookshop
Digital: Apple Books, Kindle
Audiobook: Apple Books, Audible
Resources
White Fragility: Why is it so Hard for White People to Talk About Racism?
Author: Robin DiAngelo
Why You Should Read
“It’s an excellent read. She gives thorough and diverse examples of racism in society. The book addresses many issues including white supremacy and how all people can work together to engage more constructively. I read it in two days!
As for how it applies to the art world? I think it will give everyone a different perspective on why black artists and their artwork are crucial and should be represented in museums and galleries.”
– Cynthia Milledge, MMFA Director of Marketing and Public Relations
Where to Read
Physical: Amazon, Bookshop
Digital: Apple Books, Kindle
Audiobook: Apple Books, Audible
Resources
