Carole Genshaft and Deidre Hamlar to speak at Authors @ Alden
October 27, 2020
OHIO Libraries will virtually host Carole Genshaft and Deidre Hamlar to talk about the recently released book, 鈥溾 as part of the Authors @ Alden series on Nov. 16 at 2:30 p.m.
Genshaft, who edited the book, is the curator-at-large of the Columbus Museum of Art (CMA). The book, 鈥淩aggin鈥 On,鈥 contains images of artist Aminah Robinson鈥檚 home and furnishings, and her art and writings, which were all left to the CMA when she died in 2015.
鈥淚n 1989, I spent many months interviewing Aminah and was able to record her thoughts about many subjects related to her work,鈥 said Genshaft, who enjoyed a close relationship with Robinson. 鈥淚 believe these insights have guided the direction of the book to some extent, but that the views of the other essayists add new perspectives.鈥
Much of Robinson鈥檚 work is a reflection on her own personal story and the on experiences of her ancestors with slavery, liberation and migration. She created button-beaded tapestries and layered 鈥渕ud rag鈥 books and dolls, as well as woodcut prints and drawings on handmade paper.
Hamlar is co-curating an exhibit of Robinson鈥檚 work with Genshaft, which is set to go on display at the CMA in November 2020 and remain until October 2021. During their Authors @ Alden talk, Genshaft and Hamlar will be interviewed by Dr. Jennie Klein, who is a professor of art history in the School of Art and Design. Both Genshaft and Hamlar have contributed essays in the book.
鈥淒eidre Hamlar and I will focus on the content of the book,鈥 Genshaft said. 鈥淚t is a very unique story because the book and exhibition focus on the contents of an artist鈥檚 home studio.鈥
Genshaft said that during her lifetime, Robinson was a strong advocate for social justice, women and African American history in America, which would make her work especially thought-provoking for those interested in art, art history, African American studies, women鈥檚 studies, political science and American history.
鈥淏ut the work and its message are extremely timely and of interest to all during this time of reflection and action concerning systematic racism and social justice,鈥 she said.
Genshaft hopes that those who attend the talk, like those who read the book, will experience the essence of Robinson鈥檚 work, which many characterize as 鈥渟acred,鈥 and that students and scholars will be inspired to consider studying Robinson鈥檚 work in depth.
Click to register for the Authors@Alden talk on Nov. 16 at 2:30 p.m. This event is free and open to the public.
To request accessibility accommodations or for more information, contact Jen Harvey at harveyj1@ohio.edu.
Graphic design by Victor Lowe/91探花 Libraries