PROJECT DESCRIPTION

This is the catalogue for the 2022/23 exhibition “Past Is Present: Black Artists Respond to the Complicated Histories of Slavery” in the galleries at the Herron School of Art + Design, Indianapolis.

The exhibition filled the school’s three gallery spaces and included artwork by local and internationally known black artists in conversation with historical documents and records from the time of slavery. The exhibition was curated by Jonathan Michael Square, Assistant Professor of Black Visual Culture at Parsons School of Design in New York.

The murky nature of the book’s cover (featuring artwork by Marcus Morris) is intended to convey how the legacy of slavery continues to permeate every aspect of our modern lives. The title type (utilizing the typeface VTC Du Bois — a tribute to the early information design of W.E.B. Du Bois) drifts in and out of the background to emphasize this point. A subtle emboss adds a tactile quality to the cover.

The blue palate is inspired by the show’s centerpiece artwork “In Conversation with Madame CJ Walker” by South African artist Mary Sibande. The use of these colors—once associated with service workers—is reclaimed as a rich and vibrant thread that runs through the book and exhibition.

Artworks are reproduced on white backgrounds for clarity, while the often upsetting historical documentation is shown silhouetted on black backgrounds as a contrast and emphasis of the gravity of these records.

BOOK INFORMATION

Trim Size: 6.5" wide x 8.5" tall

Number of Pages: 128 + cover

Binding Method: Perfect binding

Paper: Mohawk Superfine Ultrawhite Eggshell 100lb. Text + Cover, Anthem Satin 100lb. Text

Typefaces: VTC Du Bois and Helvetica Neue

CREDIT INFORMATION

Creative Director: James Sholly

Art Director: Jon Sholly

Book Designer: James Sholly and Jon Sholly

Jacket/Cover Designer: James Sholly and Jon Sholly

Illustrator:

Photographer:

Picture Editor:

Production Director:

Production Coordinator:

Production Artist:

Other Credits: Paula Katz - Interim Gallery Directo; Greg Hull - Dean; Kristin Kearns - Copy Editor; Whitney Yoerger - Copy Editor

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