Featuring full-color reproductions of fourteen artworks and illustrations of the artists at work, this picture book is an ideal introduction to contemporary art for young children, and a fantastic tool for teachers wishing to decolonize and diversify their classroom.
Sharna Jackson’s experience as a children’s author who has worked for over a decade in the cultural sector, both at Tate in London and at Site Gallery in Sheffield, is combined here with the curatorial expertise of Dr. Zoé Whitley, Director of London’s Chisenhale Gallery and co-curator of the landmark Tate exhibition “Soul of a Nation: Art in the Age of Black Power.” Their book features artists working in a variety of media from painting and sculpture to ceramics and installation.
The result is a refreshingly contemporary global celebration of Black artists at work today that will serve as inspiration to a new generation of aspiring young artists.
Reviews
A beautifully designed short encyclopedia of contemporary art … Enlightening.
— New York Times Book Review
The power of this collection is how it shows the many ways artists create art to illuminate their past and present … This book gives young readers a sense of the creativity and variety of art created by these Black artists as they revisit their thoughts about the Black experience. A useful source for investigating artists, art, and Black history.
— School Library Journal (starred review)
Contributors
Sharna Jackson
Author
Sharna Jackson is an award-winning children’s author and curator. She is the author of four books for children, including High-Rise Mystery and Mic Drop.
Marilyn Esther Chi
Illustrated By
Marilyn Esther Chi is an illustrator based in the United Kingdom. She works in a variety of media, both digital and traditional, and takes her inspiration from anything and everything.
Zoé Whitley
Contributions By
Dr. Zoé Whitley is the director of London’s Chisenhale Gallery.
