CREATING THEIR OWN IMAGE: The History of African-American Women Artists

Although it arrives at the 1960s only a third of the way in, this first textbook on African-American women artists is brimming with discoveries. Farrington, who teaches a course (from which this book takes its name) at New York's Parsons School of Design, proceeds roughly chronologically, beginning with Reconstruction-era weaving and quilt work by artists like Kentucky's Louiza Francis Combs and with the marble sculpture of Edmonia Lewis. Few of the names are familiar, and few of the works in conventional media arresting, until Farrington reaches contemporary pieces and artists. Farrington is the author of two monographs on painter Faith Ringgold, and her appreciation for and mastery of recent work comes through on every page. Most of the 150 color and 100 b&w reproductions, generally placed at the margins of the text but sized generously, are from this period, from Carol Ann Carter's installations to Laylah Ali's colorful and disturbing graphic work. The result makes for a terrific introduction to contemporary art by African-American women as informed by a legacy that is just beginning to be pieced together and understood. (Jan.)