Description

Book Synopsis
A multi-award-winning book that introduces young readers to the work of twenty-six contemporary Black artists from Africa and of the African diaspora.

Trade Review
'A beautifully designed short encyclopedia of contemporary art ... Enlightening' - The New York Times Book Review
'Captivating' - Tate
'The world as we know it, has in many ways been shaped by the creative genius of Black people and their unparalleled contribution to civilisation. This publication draws on the civilisational splendour of our forebears, while also serving as a call for today's Black artists to use their creative genius to reconfigure the face of the world once more and to humanise it through art. For this reason, I am both honoured and excited to be a co-architect of this historic moment' - Zizipho Poswa
'So proud and honoured to be in this very very VERY important publication ... magical' - Larry Achiampong, artist
'I’m absolutely delighted to be included in this beautiful publication ... brilliant' - Harold Offeh, artist
'The inspiring mixture is both eclectic and innovative, providing personal histories and an appreciation of their acumen and originality in a variety of art forms. An essential read for any reader wanting to delve into contemporary art' - Children's Books Ireland
'I recommend this for teachers of all ages who are seeking to decolonialise the curriculum' - Nikki Gamble
'An intriguing source of ideas and inspiration for both teachers and students' - Teach Secondary
'A necessary collection for artists and art lovers, this anthology highlights twenty-six Black contemporary artists. Offering recognition and praise for artists routinely locked out of mainstream art conversations, this book highlights their stories, their specific styles, and reproduces one of their signature works' - Book Riot
'What makes this volume unique is that it’s all about revealing the power of the arts through the lenses of creators from across the global African diaspora... Jackson offers a concise biography of each artist, explores the methods they utilize, and presents a full-color reproduction of one (or more) of their signature works... A magnificent assemblage of Black artists we all need to know and cherish' - Kirkus Reviews (starred review)
'A vibrant vital book ... it has electricity and fierce celebration' - @wanderingbookseller
'Brilliant' - FAD
'A concise introduction to 26 contemporary artists from Africa and the African diaspora who work in drawing, ceramics, installation art, painting, performance, photography, and sculpture ... Their stories are told in images and easy-to-follow texts set in a brightly colorful layout' - ARTnews

Table of Contents
Introduction
Larry Achiampong – Relic Traveller
El Anatsui – Bleeding Takari II
Sonia Boyce – From Tarzan to Rambo
María Magdalena Campos-Pons – The Flag
Nick Cave – Soundsuit #2
Joana Choumali – Because We Actually Played Outside As Kids
Lubaina Himid – Naming the Money
Kamala Ibrahim Ishag – Two Women (Eve and Eve)
Rosemary Karuga – Woman Standing
Abdoulaye Konaté – Femme du Sahel
Ibrahim Mahama – Non-Orientable Nkansa
Kerry James Marshall – School of Beauty, School of Culture
Zanele Muholi – Bester I, Mayotte, 2015
Magdalene A.N. Odundo DBE, OBE – Untitled #15
Harold Offeh – Lounging
Chris Ofili – No Woman, No Cry
Emeka Ogboh – LOS-CDG (Lagos to Paris)
Toyin Ojih Odutola – Maebel
Zizipho Poswa – Ukukhula I and II
Faith Ringgold – Tar Beach
Athi-Patra Ruga – The Night of the Long Knives I
Amy Sherald – First Lady Michelle Obama
Yinka Shonibare CBE (RA) – Butterfly Kid (Girl) IV
Carrie Mae Weems – Untitled
Kehinde Wiley – Napoleon Leading the Army over the Alps
Lynette Yiadom-Boakye – A Concentration
Glossary
List of artworks
Bibliography
About the author & consultant

Black Artists Shaping the World

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    RRP £14.99 – you save £1.50 (10%)

    Order before 4pm tomorrow for delivery by Tue 30 Jun 2026.

    A Hardback by Sharna Jackson, Zoé Whitely

      Trusted by thousands of customers. See 2,385+ Customer Reviews

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      Publisher: Thames & Hudson Ltd
      Publication Date: 30/09/2021
      ISBN13: 9780500652596, 978-0500652596
      ISBN10: 0500652597

      Description

      Book Synopsis
      A multi-award-winning book that introduces young readers to the work of twenty-six contemporary Black artists from Africa and of the African diaspora.

      Trade Review
      'A beautifully designed short encyclopedia of contemporary art ... Enlightening' - The New York Times Book Review
      'Captivating' - Tate
      'The world as we know it, has in many ways been shaped by the creative genius of Black people and their unparalleled contribution to civilisation. This publication draws on the civilisational splendour of our forebears, while also serving as a call for today's Black artists to use their creative genius to reconfigure the face of the world once more and to humanise it through art. For this reason, I am both honoured and excited to be a co-architect of this historic moment' - Zizipho Poswa
      'So proud and honoured to be in this very very VERY important publication ... magical' - Larry Achiampong, artist
      'I’m absolutely delighted to be included in this beautiful publication ... brilliant' - Harold Offeh, artist
      'The inspiring mixture is both eclectic and innovative, providing personal histories and an appreciation of their acumen and originality in a variety of art forms. An essential read for any reader wanting to delve into contemporary art' - Children's Books Ireland
      'I recommend this for teachers of all ages who are seeking to decolonialise the curriculum' - Nikki Gamble
      'An intriguing source of ideas and inspiration for both teachers and students' - Teach Secondary
      'A necessary collection for artists and art lovers, this anthology highlights twenty-six Black contemporary artists. Offering recognition and praise for artists routinely locked out of mainstream art conversations, this book highlights their stories, their specific styles, and reproduces one of their signature works' - Book Riot
      'What makes this volume unique is that it’s all about revealing the power of the arts through the lenses of creators from across the global African diaspora... Jackson offers a concise biography of each artist, explores the methods they utilize, and presents a full-color reproduction of one (or more) of their signature works... A magnificent assemblage of Black artists we all need to know and cherish' - Kirkus Reviews (starred review)
      'A vibrant vital book ... it has electricity and fierce celebration' - @wanderingbookseller
      'Brilliant' - FAD
      'A concise introduction to 26 contemporary artists from Africa and the African diaspora who work in drawing, ceramics, installation art, painting, performance, photography, and sculpture ... Their stories are told in images and easy-to-follow texts set in a brightly colorful layout' - ARTnews

      Table of Contents
      Introduction
      Larry Achiampong – Relic Traveller
      El Anatsui – Bleeding Takari II
      Sonia Boyce – From Tarzan to Rambo
      María Magdalena Campos-Pons – The Flag
      Nick Cave – Soundsuit #2
      Joana Choumali – Because We Actually Played Outside As Kids
      Lubaina Himid – Naming the Money
      Kamala Ibrahim Ishag – Two Women (Eve and Eve)
      Rosemary Karuga – Woman Standing
      Abdoulaye Konaté – Femme du Sahel
      Ibrahim Mahama – Non-Orientable Nkansa
      Kerry James Marshall – School of Beauty, School of Culture
      Zanele Muholi – Bester I, Mayotte, 2015
      Magdalene A.N. Odundo DBE, OBE – Untitled #15
      Harold Offeh – Lounging
      Chris Ofili – No Woman, No Cry
      Emeka Ogboh – LOS-CDG (Lagos to Paris)
      Toyin Ojih Odutola – Maebel
      Zizipho Poswa – Ukukhula I and II
      Faith Ringgold – Tar Beach
      Athi-Patra Ruga – The Night of the Long Knives I
      Amy Sherald – First Lady Michelle Obama
      Yinka Shonibare CBE (RA) – Butterfly Kid (Girl) IV
      Carrie Mae Weems – Untitled
      Kehinde Wiley – Napoleon Leading the Army over the Alps
      Lynette Yiadom-Boakye – A Concentration
      Glossary
      List of artworks
      Bibliography
      About the author & consultant

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