Land and Lives: A Story of Early Black Artists

Elza Miles, Land and Lives: A Story of Early Black Artists. Cape Town: Human & Rousseau and Johannesburg Art Gallery, 1997.

Quarto, hard cover, dustwrapper, 191 pages, well illustrated.

Tear without loss in the upper panel of the dustwrapper. Very good condition.

'Land and Lives: a story of early black artists is a thorough and unique account of pioneer black artists born in the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. The work of the early artists unfolds in the context of an African upbringing which encounters new religious disciplines and literacy, introduced through mission and government schools. This book narrates the process of internal conflict which the artists experienced in such a context as well as the artistic products which emerged.

'The aim of Land and Lives is to explore urban art created by early black artists in South Africa. In spite of the history of this period, one of conflict and deprivation, they claimed a place with pencil, pen, brush or chisel. This remarkable study is an invaluable contribution to the art history of South Africa and pays homage to the artists' creative power.'

Includes Jabulani Ntuli, Simoni Mnguni, Gerard Bhengu, Milwa Mnyaluza Pemba, Gerard Sekoto, and many more.

A lovely book with a wealth of detail for art historians and collectors.