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Hear Me Now

The Black Potters of Old Edgefield, South Carolina
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Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
Hear Me Now offers an in-depth exploration of alkaline-glazed stoneware from Edgefield, South Carolina, highlighting the vital contributions of enslaved and free Black potters in the mid-nineteenth century. Featuring over 60 rarely seen pieces, including figural face jugs and slip-decorated pottery, the book spotlights the artistry of makers both known and unknown. Among these is David Drake, "Dave the Potter," famed for inscribing verses on his pots despite laws against literacy among enslaved people. This publication blends new scholarship on the creation, collection, and cultural importance of Edgefield stoneware with a critical look at how such works by enslaved artisans are curated and interpreted. An interview with contemporary artist Simone Leigh connects this heritage to ongoing dialogues about sculpture, identity, and visibility.
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Format: Hardback
$8399
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

Ideal for readers interested in art history, African American heritage, pottery, and cultural studies, as well as those curious about the intersections of art, identity, and social history.

Book Hero thinking about your next read

Nineteenth-century stoneware by enslaved and free potters living in Edgefield, South Carolina, highlights the central role of Black artists in the region’s long-standing pottery traditions

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

This in-depth look at the remarkable alkaline-glazed stoneware from Edgefield, South Carolina, recentres the development of Southern pottery traditions around enslaved and free Black potters working in the mid-nineteenth century. The publication brings together more than 60 rarely seen works, including figural face jugs and slip-decorated pottery by known and unknown makers.

Among the most remarkable works featured are masterpieces by David Drake, known as β€œDave the Potter,” who signed, dated, and incised verses on many of his jars, even though literacy among enslaved people was criminalised at the time.

In addition to surfacing new scholarship on the production, collection, dispersal, and cultural significance of stoneware works from Edgefield, this publication also offers a critical examination of what it means to collect, exhibit, and interpret objects made by enslaved artisans.

An interview with contemporary artist Simone Leigh, the US representative for the 2022 Venice Biennale, connects Edgefield vessels to present-day conversations about sculpture, identity, and visibility.

Hear Me Now invites readers to engage with the rich history and enduring legacy of these remarkable artworks, prompting reflection on their cultural and historical contexts.

Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9781588397263

Publisher: Metropolitan Museum of Art

Format: Hardback

Date Published: 23 August 2022

Country: United States

Imprint: Metropolitan Museum of Art

Illustration: 154 color illus.

Contributors:

  • Contributions by Ethan W. Lasser
  • Edited by Adrienne Spinozzi
  • Contributions by Simone Leigh
  • Contributions by Michael J. Bramwell
  • Contributions by Vincent Brown
  • Contributions by Katherine C. Hughes
  • Contributions by Jason R. Young

Audience: Professional and scholarly

DIMENSIONS

Width: 203.0mm

Height: 254.0mm

Weight: 250g

Pages: 200

Collections

American & Canadian History Arts & Culture Education & Reference History & Archaeology History & Military Home & Garden Non-Fiction

About the Author

Adrienne Spinozzi is associate curator in the American Wing at The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York.

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