Kara Walker: Dust Jackets for the Niggerati
exhibition catalogue
concept, book design, production
African-American artist Kara Walker has been acclaimed internationally for her candid investigations of race, sexuality and violence through the lens of reconceived historical tropes. This publication documents “Dust Jackets for the Niggerati—and Supporting Dissertations, Drawings Submitted Ruefully by Dr. Kara E. Walker,” a major series of graphite drawings and hand-printed texts on paper that grew out of Walker’s attempts to understand how interpersonal and geopolitical powers are asserted through the lives of individuals.
design The book’s dust jacket unfolds to reveal a large artwork that includes the artist’s entire foreword as well as a blown-up detail of a large text. Bleeding images of works on display in the exhibition start and end the book. Images that run over spreads enhance the sense of space, creating a panorama throughout the galleries. Featuring three weights of the same uncoated stock, the volume is similar in feel and color to Walker’s drawings.
client Gregory R. Miller & Co., New York. Founded in 2004, Gregory R. Miller & Co. publishes high-quality books about contemporary art and artists.
collaborators
Hilton Als, text
James Hannaham, text
Christopher Stackhouse, text
Kevin Young, text
articles & links
Artbook, review
Culture Type, review
