Images of Man – Contemporary South African Black Art and Artists

Images of Man – Contemporary South African Black Art and Artists by E.J. de Jager offers an authoritative, richly illustrated exploration of South African Black artistic expression during the late 20th century. First published in 1992 by Fort Hare University Press in Alice, this landmark volume serves as a pictorial and historical guide to the remarkable collection of Black art housed at the University of Fort Hare’s De Beers Centenary Art Gallery. Extending to 220 pages, this substantial hardcover includes both color and monochrome reproductions, bringing to life a vibrant range of painting, sculpture, and graphic work that captures the complex social and cultural landscape of South Africa’s visual arts scene.

The heart of Images of Man – Contemporary South African Black Art and Artists lies in its celebration of over 170 artists whose works span several decades of creative innovation. The book documents contributions from pivotal figures such as Gerard Sekoto, George Pemba, Sydney Kumalo, Lucas Sithole, and Gladys Mgudlandlu, among many others, illustrating the depth, diversity, and evolving voices of Black artists in a period marked by the final years of apartheid and the cusp of democratic change. With contextual essays and detailed visual documentation, de Jager’s work not only highlights aesthetic achievements but also situates them within broader historical and social narratives.

Images of Man – Contemporary South African Black Art and Artists stands as both a crucial research resource and a captivating visual anthology. Art historians and collectors alike will appreciate its meticulous curation of artworks that reveal intersecting themes of identity, resistance, community, and transformation. The inclusion of historical commentary alongside vivid imagery makes Images of Man indispensable for anyone seeking to understand the evolution of South African Black art and its enduring legacy within the country’s cultural heritage.

Collectors and readers drawn to robust survey books and art historical guides will find Images of Man – Contemporary South African Black Art and Artists a compelling addition to their shelves. Beyond its function as a reference, the book’s sheer breadth and engaging presentation make it a rewarding journey through some of the most powerful and expressive works in South African art from the latter 20th century.

Condition – Fair – Heavily worn dust jacket and boards, repair on spine.