#Non-fiction: Essays on Art History

• Author: Kellie Jones
• Title: EyeMinded
• Rating: A+++
• Non-fictiion essays Art History (#BHM)

1. Ms Jones is  an art history professor at Columbia University.
2. She explains the impact that black artists have had in art historical movements.
3. Many of these artists have long been overlooked.
4. I read 37 essays and selected 4 artists that made a lasting impression on me
5. …leaving me at times speechless…their art and ideas are amazing!
6. The other best essays were about concepts:
7. Black aesthetic, how to define Black Art and Abstract Expressionism
8. Conclusion: The book is easy to read yet scholarly and best read
9. …a few essays at a time. I started on 04 Jan – 02 March 2026.
10. I recommend it highly and look at some of the works of art
11. …via Google Images for a first impression!

Best essays:

“Lorna Simpson”. (1960)  She is a an American conceptual artist renowned mainly for her photography in which she combines the photo with text (language) to add a new layer for contemplation.

“David Hammons” (1943). An artist I have never heard of but will not soon forget! His “Spades in Chains” (1969) took my breath away. Simple elements and he created a power look at racism and racial stereotypes in USA. This work in now in MOMA. 

“Dawoud Bey” (1953). This is the best essay I’ve read so far. Bey is a MacArthur Genius Fellow and his photography proves that he is a visionary! Progression from street portraits – landscapes and my favourites “split portraits”! Core message: capture the beauty of those who rarely find themselves illustrated in this way.These photos instill a pride in the existence of a “black self”.

 “Marten Puryear” (1943). He is an African American sculptor and this left me breathless while looking up the works of art on Google. If a museum in your area has an expo of Marten Puryear…don’t miss it! (Now in Boston MFA until Feb 2026). Quick Look – see You Tube (13 min) “When Minimalist Art Collides.

Excellent discussion about the “Black Aesthetic” (BA) consummate aesthetic (CA) and aesthetic incarnate (AI)! Ms Jones scatters the word “aesthetic” around like confetti. BA: emphasis on personal and cultural narrative in black art instead of spectacle. It centers on heritage and resilience. CA: extremely skilled in creating harmony in form, technique. Example sculptor Martin Pruyear.

Excellent discussion about the concept of “black art” and how several artists define it. Should it be about COLOR and FORM? Should it be POLITICAL stance and SOCIAL realism? This essay was an eye-opener especially to learn about the British black artist and art intellectual: Sir Richard (aka Frank) Bowling (1934)! One of the best artists I’ve discovered in the book!

Excellent discussion about  “Abstract Expressionism”. The New York School (Pollack, DeKooning, Newman, Rothko, Norman Lewis). N. Lewis… was known for his “black paintings”…able to use that colour to make political and social associations in a powerful way. Lewis’s core message: ” …don’t try to paint racial difficulties but try to excel as an artist first and foremost.”