Carrie Mae Weems: the heart of the matter

Abstract

"Transcending medium, chronology, and geography, Carrie Mae Weems: The Heart of the Matter puts the artist--as well as her spiritual and philosophical journeys--at the center of the discourse. Weems is a touchstone artist, renowned for her work investigating history, identity, and power. A comprehensive monograph, The Heart of the Matter features generous presentations of landmark bodies of work, from Family Pictures and Stories (1981-82) to her most recent series on the Black church. Throughout the book, the artist's spiritual musings provide critical insight into the iconic artist's mind and eye. Newly commissioned essays and additional contributions from esteemed thinkers and scholars across generations underscore the singular value of Weems's vision in grappling with the complexities and injustices of the world around us."--from the publisher.

Contents

Foreword / Giovanni Bazoli -- At Heart / Sarah Hermanson Meister -- Family and folktales: Observations / Kathryn E Delmez and Sarah Lewis ; Family pictures and stories 1978-84 ; Leave now! 2022 ; Kitchen table series 1990 ; How do you measure a life? / Jeffrey Hoone -- Self as subject: observations / Robin Kelsey and Mabel O. Wilson ; Roaming 2006 ; Museums 2006-ongoing ; Dreaming in Cuba 2002 ; The radical stillness of Carrie Mae Weems's muse / Megan Kincaid -- Centering a personal perspective: observations / Deborah Willis and Elvira Dyangani Ose ; A place called south 2009 ; From here I saw what happened and I cried 1995-96 ; The shape of things 2021 ; The personal is political / Dawoud Bey -- Stereotypes and politics of power: observation / bell hooks and Huey Copeland ; Scenes and takes 2016 ; Framed by Modernism 1996 ; Not Manet's type 1997 ; Questioning the Black image / Erich Kessel -- Spiritual journeys: observations / Alice Weems and Thomas Lax ; Rothko Chapel 2023 ; Preach 2024 ; Painting the town 2021 ; Sorrow souls / Tiana Reid -- Guide to the works / Megan Kincaid -- Afterword / Annalena Benini.