Black women's heads of hair are galaxies unto themselves, solar systems, moonscapes, volcanic interiors."
-Elizabeth Alexander, from the Introduction
Using advertising photographs of black women (and men) drawn from vintage issues of Ebony and Jet magazines, the exquisite and thought-provoking collages of world-renowned artist Lorna Simpson explore the richly nuanced language of hair. Surreal coiffures made from colorful ink washes, striking geological formations from old textbooks, and other unexpected forms and objects adorn the models to mesmerizingly beautiful effect.
Featuring 160 artworks, an artist's statement, and an introduction by poet, author, and scholar Elizabeth Alexander, this volume celebrates the irresistible power of Simpson's visual vernacular."
Elizabeth Alexander is a celebrated poet, essayist, and scholar. She is the author of more than a dozen books, including six volumes of poetry.
Lorna Simpson is a renowned American artist whose work challenges conventional views of gender, memory, and representation. Her work has been exhibited at museums and galleries around the world.
Hardcover, clothbound
192 pages, 176 colour
20.4 x 26.1 cm
Published by Chronicle Books 2018