Black Art: A Cultural History
Richard J. Powell
About this book
The African diaspora a direct result of the transatlantic slave trade and Western colonialism has generated a wide array of artistic achievements, from blues and reggae, to the paintings of the pioneering African American artist Henry Ossawa Tanner and video creations of contemporary hip-hop artists. This book concentrates on how these works, often created during times of major social upheaval and transformation, use black culture both as a subject and as context. From musings on the souls of black folk in late nineteenth-century art, to questions of racial and cultural identities in performance, media, and computer-assisted arts in the twenty-first century, this book examines the philosophical and social forces that have shaped a black presence in modern and contemporary visual culture. Now updated, this new edition helps us understand better how the first two decades of the twenty-first century have been a transformative moment in which previous assumptions about race, difference, and identity have been irrevocably altered, with art providing a useful lens through which to think about these compelling issues.
Censorship history
In 2025, "Black Art: A Cultural History" by Richard J. Powell was banned at the school level in several districts across the United States, primarily due to its political content and discussions surrounding race and colonialism. Notably, in a school board meeting in Fairfax County, Virginia, parents and local advocacy groups raised formal complaints, leading to a contentious vote that resulted in the book's removal from the curriculum. The ban was upheld despite protests from educators and students advocating for its inclusion, reflecting ongoing debates over educational content related to race and history.
Bans
| Country | Year | Reasons |
|---|---|---|
| United States | 2025 | PoliticalRacial |
