
Revelation
The Journey Into Abstraction
Rizzoli International Publications (Publisher)
Published on 24. March 2026
Book
Hardback
256 pages
978-0-8478-7620-4 (ISBN)
Description
This beautifully packaged volume, with two paper stocks and colorful edge stain, considers the trajectory of abstraction and interrogates what it means to be a Black abstract artist in the United States. The book features a wide range of artistic output, from historical artists such as Sam Gilliam, Alma Thomas, Ed Clark, Jennie C. Jones, and Jack Whitten to contemporary voices including Rashid Johnson, Julie Mehretu, Simone Leigh, and Theaster Gates. Music serves as a source of inspiration for visual improvisation, and the book considers the use of music and sound, particularly jazz and blues, as part of the creative process. The book looks at the connection between traditional artisans such as quilters, potters, and West African mask makers to Black ancestral legacies. And finally, the volume examines the history of gender and gender discrimination against women artists.
Reviews / Votes
"Revelation celebrates the expansive creativity of Black artists who have contributed to the rich fabric of abstraction through artworks in the collection of the National Museum of African American History and Culture." - ASPIRE METROMore details
Language
English
Place of publication
New York
United States
Product notice
sewn/stitched
Cloth over boards
Illustrations
200 COLOUR AND BLACK AND WHITE ILLUSTRATIONS
Dimensions
Height: 298 mm
Width: 236 mm
Thickness: 25 mm
Weight
1714 gr
ISBN-13
978-0-8478-7620-4 (9780847876204)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Persons
Michelle D. Commander is deputy director at NMAAHC. Tuliza Fleming is interim chief curator of visual arts at NMAAHC. Sarah Gordon is museum specialist at NMAAHC. Janet Dees is assistant director of arts at NMAAHC. Lauren Haynes is head curator of Governors Island Arts. Thelma Golden is director and chief curator of the Studio Museum in Harlem. Hallie Ringle is chief curator at ICA Philadelphia. Rashid Johnson and Shinique Smith are artists living in New York City. Adebunmi Gbadebo is an artist living in Philadelphia.