Darby English Books

Examining the works of contemporary black artists, this book challenges the notion that "blackness" should define their art. Through the lens of Kara Walker, Fred Wilson, Isaac Julien, Glenn Ligon, and William Pope.L, the author critiques the limitations imposed by societal expectations of representation. By prioritizing artistic freedom over cultural obligation, the narrative highlights how these artists navigate the complexities of identity and context, reflecting the broader shifts in late twentieth-century American art and culture.

Exploring the intricate relationship between art and cultural upheaval, this work offers a passionate and rigorous analysis of how art serves as a vital tool for understanding and navigating societal challenges. It delves into the complexities of artistic expression, highlighting its role in reflecting and shaping the human experience amidst turmoil. The author presents a compelling argument for the significance of art in fostering resilience and insight during difficult times.

Los Angeles-based artist Silke Otto-Knapp has developed a painting practice characterized by its rigorous process and attentiveness to the medium’s possibilities. Using layers of black watercolor pigment, she builds up delicate surfaces, producing subtle variations in density and a powerful sense of atmosphere. Otto-Knapp’s exhibition at the Renaissance Society, In the waiting room , presented a new group of large-scale free-standing paintings in that evokes a multidimensional stage set. Some depict silhouetted bodies while others introduce scenic elements reminiscent of painted backdrops.Offering a close look at the exhibition, this volume includes an array of illustrations, a conversation between curator Solveig Øvstebø and the artist, and four newly commissioned essays by Carol Armstrong, Darby English, Rachel Hann, and Catriona MacLeod, grounded in art history and performance studies.