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Blackface
Of all of David Levinthal's series of photographs, none is more challenging and provocative than his "Blackface" series, created over the previous three years. In his blow-up images of miniature toys he has recreated scenes of racism, genocide, and sexual fantasies. This series explores the Blackface myth embodied in "black memorabilia," household objects infused with African-American stereotypes. These images make the Blackface myth speak to us directly, without an intermediary, and demand a response from us regardless of our race, age, or gender. Levinthal's "Blackface" images present a paradox, one that pits the beauty of photographic representation against the racism underscored by these ignoble objects. Magnified with a 20 x 24 inch Polaroid camera, the "Blackface" pictures explore viewer subjectivity and question the manufacture and popularity of "black memorabilia," particularly the recent resurgence of their collectibility among African Americans. The photographs are accompanied by an in-depth essay by noted writer, critic, and filmmaker Manthia Diawara, an expert on the representation of African Americans in film, photography and popular media. This book promises to make a significant contribution to contemporary African-American studies.
153 pages, Hardcover
First published April 1, 1999
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November 19, 2008
I am an avid amateur of art books, and I jumped at the opportunity of going to the Wadsworth Atheneum's library rummage sale preview. There I picked up a few books, "Blackface" being one of them.
This is one of the most provoking books I have ever set eyes on. While the objects being photographed are deeply objectionable, the photographs themselves are stunning. Levinthal turns these testimonials of hatred and bigotry into vibrant works of art. It is impossible to forget that those everyday objects are depictions of racism, sexual exploitation and humiliation, yet the close-ups are unmistakably seductive. This book is sure to push some boundaries and raise some questions.
This is one of the most provoking books I have ever set eyes on. While the objects being photographed are deeply objectionable, the photographs themselves are stunning. Levinthal turns these testimonials of hatred and bigotry into vibrant works of art. It is impossible to forget that those everyday objects are depictions of racism, sexual exploitation and humiliation, yet the close-ups are unmistakably seductive. This book is sure to push some boundaries and raise some questions.
Displaying 1 of 1 review