How to See a Work of Art in Total Darkness

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.