Jan Avgikos

Susan Cahan

William Bartman

Tim Rollins

Felix Gonzales-Torres

Carrie Mae Weems

Pamela R. Metzger

"The Louisiana Project," a new work by the noted artist Carrie Mae Weems, was commissioned as part of the bicentennial celebrations surrounding the commemoration of the Louisiana Purchase. Weems has a distinguished career as a photographer interested in history and social critique, and her work frequently addresses questions of race, class, and gender. "The Louisiana Project" incorporates still photography, narrative, and video projection as part of an examination of the complex history of New Orleans and the "commingling culture" that has resulted. Photographs use the symbolism of the mirror as a means of reflection on a particular region and its history, on attitudes about blackness, as well as sexual identity. In another group of images Weems places herself in a variety of locations--plantations, railroad tracks, and chemical plants--as a witness to the experience of African Americans. Final images consider a triad of relationships between white men, white women, and women of color portrayedas a shadow play. Susan Cahan places "The Louisiana Project" within the framework of Weems's career, exploring the artist's methods and objectives. Pamela Metzger gives insight into the legal paradoxes and obsessions in the construction of racial identity in Louisiana.

The Louisiana Project

Zoya Kocur

This text addresses the role of art within contemporary multicultural education. Co-published with the New Museum of Contemporary Art, it provides both theoretical foundations and practical resources for art educators and students. This edition combines colour illustrations and first-person artists' statements with interviews with notable educators and extensive lesson plans. It adopts an approach which connects everyday experience, social critique and creative expression with classroom learning. Susan Cahan and Zoya Kocur address this void by focusing on issues that students care about and that relate to a larger, life-world. For students from widely-varied backgrounds and differing levels of English comprehension, art becomes a vital means of reflecting upon the nature of society and social existence.

Contemporary Art and Multicultural Education

Contemporary Art and Multicultural Education is the first book of its kind to address the role of art within today's multicultural education. Co-published with The New Museum of Contemporary Art , this beautifully illustrated book is a practical resources for art educators and students. Co-published with the New Museum of Contemporary Art.

Susan Cahan

Books

Your next favorite book is out there