In the first catalog to chronicle the collection since its inception in 1942, this publication features a rare, up close and personal look at notable pieces of art and the collective story they tell of the 20th century, in regard to theme, subject, medium, and the artists themselves. Originally released in 2012, to commemorate the 70thanniversary of CAU’s historic permanent collection and the 60th anniversary of the unveiling of The Art of the Negro mural series—all attributed to the vision and creativity of artist and teacher Hale Aspacio Woodruff (1900-1980) – In the Eye of the Muses offers an enchanted world for art collectors, artists, and scholars to relish page-by-page.
In 1942, Woodruff began the Exhibition of Paintings, Prints, and Sculptures by Negro Artists of America at Atlanta University. The annual, national juried show continued until 1970. The title essay, “In the Eye of the Muses,” by Tina M. Dunkley, Director of the Clark Atlanta University Art Galleries, provides an account of the sociopolitical climate and racial politics that produced this 28-year exhibition.
The fight for equality continues, from 1960 to now. Combining portraits of past and present social justice activists with documentary images from recent protests throughout the United States, #1960Now sheds light on the parallels between the 1960s Civil Rights Movement and the Black Lives Matter movement of today. Shelia Pree Bright’s striking black-and-white photographs capture the courage and conviction of ’60s elder statesmen and a new generation of activists, offering a powerful reminder that the fight for justice is far from over. #1960Now represents an important new contribution to American protest photography. --Chronicle Books
