Simone Leigh - by Eva Respini (Hardcover)

Book Synopsis

The first major monograph on Simone Leigh's multimedia explorations of community, Black feminism and the traditions and material cultures of the African diaspora

Published with Institute of Contemporary Art, Boston.

A New York Times Book Review 2023 holiday gift guide pick

Over the past two decades, Simone Leigh has created artwork that situates questions of Black femme-identified subjectivity at the center of contemporary art discourse. Her sculpture, video, installation and social practice explore ideas of race, beauty and community in visual and material culture. Leigh's art addresses a wide swath of historical periods, geographies and traditions, with specific references to materials across the African diaspora, as well as forms traditionally associated with African art and architecture.This publication includes substantial new scholarship addressing Leigh's work across mediums and topics. The volume, timed with the artist's first museum survey and national tour, includes contributions by her longtime collaborators, new scholars who add diverse insights and perspectives, and a conversation highlighting Leigh's voice. Additionally, generous and lushly illustrated plates feature her critically acclaimed work for the 59th Venice Biennale and works made throughout her 20-year career. A special section featuring Leigh's research images gives access to Leigh's research methodologies and encourages readers to fully engage with all aspects of Leigh's work. This monograph provides a timely opportunity to gain a holistic understanding of the complex and profoundly moving work of this groundbreaking artist.
Born in Chicago in 1967, Simone Leigh received a BA in fine art with a minor in philosophy from Earlham College, Richmond, Indiana, in 1990. In 2022, Leigh represented the United States at the 59th Venice Biennale with her critically acclaimed exhibition Sovereignty. She has had solo presentations at the Kitchen, New York (2012); Creative Time, New York (2014); New Museum of Contemporary Art, New York (2016); Hammer Museum, Los Angeles (2016); and the High Line, New York (2019); among other venues. Leigh lives and works in Brooklyn.

Review Quotes

Leigh's work interrogates critical components of sculpture through her signature use of clay as a medium that highlights the forging of form.--Nereya Otieno "Hyperallergic"

It is sure to be a definitive work of contemporary art historical scholarship, offering us insight into Leigh's interdisciplinary artistic process, vivid images, and new ways to approach materiality.--TK Smith "Brooklyn Rail"

Consider it an essential reading list about Leigh's work, its historical and intellectual roots, and its compelling assertion of Black women's subjectivity, power, and dignity.--Hakim Bishara "Hyperallergic"

An essential and groundbreaking survey, the volume is celebratory, lauding Leigh's expansive practice and enduring desire to fill gaps in the archive.--Grace Ebert "Colossal"

With its comprehensive approach, this monograph invites a deeper understanding of Leigh's work and its profound cultural significance.--Ghalib Dhalla "Indulge"