Black American Portraits: Kim, Christine, Andrews, Myrtle Elizabeth, Keith, Naima J., Campbell, Mary Schmidt, Govan, Michael, Als, Hilton, Cooks, Bridget R, Fort, Ilene Susan, Lawson, Dhyandra, Stewart, Jeffrey C

Black American Portraits is a groundbreaking book that celebrates the rich history of portraiture created by Black Americans over two centuries.

This comprehensive collection features approximately 140 works from LACMA's permanent collection, showcasing emancipation, Harlem Renaissance, Civil Rights and Black Power eras, multiculturalism of the 1990s, and the spirit of Black Lives Matter.

The book centers love, abundance, family, community, and exuberance, countering a visual culture that often demonizes Blackness and fetishizes the spectacle of Black pain.

With works by artists of African descent, as well as artists of other backgrounds who have exemplified a thoughtfulness about, sensitivity toward, and commitment to Black artists, communities, histories, and subjects, this book is a must-have for anyone interested in the history and diversity of portraiture.