Going There: Black Visual Satire

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.

Author: Richard J. Powell
Publisher: Yale University Press
Published: 11/03/2020
Pages: 240
Binding Type: Hardcover
Weight: 2.25lbs
Size: 10.20h x 7.50w x 0.90d
ISBN13: 9780300245745
ISBN10: 0300245742
BISAC Categories:
- Art | American | African American & Black
- Art | Criticism & Theory
- Social Science | Ethnic Studies | American | African American & Black Studies

About the Author
Richard J. Powell is John Spencer Bassett Professor of Art and Art History at Duke University.