Celeste-Marie Bernier Bücher

"Battleground is the first illustrated history of contemporary African American art. The volume offers an in-depth examination of twenty-five Black artists, discussing their artworks, practices, and philosophies, as expressed in their own words. Celeste-Marie Bernier has done extensive archival work in sources that have not been studied before, and her research provides a foundation for an intellectual and cultural history of contemporary African American artists and art movements from 1990 to the present. The wealth of quoted material-published interviews, artist statements, and autobiographical essays-should inform and inspire additional research in the years to come. Battleground examines the paintings, drawings, sculptures, and installation, digital, and performance art produced by twenty-five Black artists living and working in the United States over the last three decades. The artists studied in this book include Emma Amos, Radcliffe Bailey, Mary Lee Bendolph, Chakaia Booker, Beverly Buchanan, Willie Cole, Leonardo Drew, Meta Vaux Warrick Fuller, Myra Greene, Lyle Ashton Harris, Ronald Lockett, Whitfield Lovell, Kerry James Marshall, Lorraine O'Grady, Jefferson Pinder, Debra Priestly, Winfred Rembert, Nellie Mae Rowe, Alison Saar, Dread Scott, Clarissa T. Sligh, LaShawnda Crowe Storm, Mickalene Thomas, Nari Ward, and Pat Ward Williams"-- Provided by publisher

Horace Pippin's journey as a self-made artist and soldier in the 369th all-black infantry during World War I profoundly shaped his life and artistic expression. His wartime experiences inspired powerful, emotive canvases that reflect both psychological depth and realism. Celeste-Marie Bernier meticulously explores how Pippin's art serves as a poignant narrative of his struggles and triumphs, illustrating the intricate relationship between his combat service and his development as a painter.