African American Art at the White House and in Ananda’s Debut Novel, Love’s Troubadours -Karma: Book One

[Ananda Kiamsha Madelyn Leeke]

Cut by Kara Walker – http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kara_Walker


Hi All!

I read a great post on Black Visual Artist’s blog that featured an article by Kinshasha Holman Conwill, deputy director, Smithsonian Institution, National Museum of African American History & Culture. It discussed African American art, one of my passions and a major subject area in my debut novel, Love’s Troubadours – Karma: Book One (www.lovestroubadours.com). Click here to read the post: http://blackvisualartist.blogspot.com/2009/07/african-american-art-.... The article was published in the July/August 2009 issue of The Art Newspaper: http://www.theartnewspaper.com/articles/African-American-art-still-....

I enjoyed reading about how President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama have launched the White House campaign to bring greater diversity to its art collection—including more works by African American artists. I agree with Conwill’s assessment that the Obamas’ efforts are having “a catalytic effect—stirring conversation, raising expectations. And that’s a good thing. The move is also throwing a strong light on African American art and the artists who create it.” Several of the artists that Conwill mentions such as Kara Walker, Betye Saar, and Lorna Simpson are featured in my novel, Love’s Troubadours – Karma: Book One (www.lovestroubadours.com). I have included a blurb about the artwork in my novel below. Enjoy!

Who are some of your favorite African American artists?

Peace and Creativity,

Ananda

African American Art Featured in Love’s Troubadours – Karma: Book One (www.lovestroubadours.com):

Art plays a major role in the life and museum curator career of Love’s Troubadours’ main character Karma Francois. It inspires, consoles, and teaches her. Love’s Troubadours offers you a wonderful opportunity to look at life through Karma’s eyes as an art enthusiast and museum curator. Through Karma’s eyes, you will learn about exciting artists and photographers from the African Diaspora, such as Lois Mailou Jones, Kara Walker, Renee Stout, Faith Ringgold, Chris Ofili, Marion Perkins, Elizabeth Catlett, Jean Michel Basquiat, Annie Lee, Betye Saar, Alison Saar, Amalia Amaki, Joyce Scott, Lorna Simpson, Eldzier Cortor, Sister Gertrude Morgan, Archibald Motley, Adrian Piper, Hughie Lee Smith, and Charles W. White. Artists from other countries are also featured. Click here to read more: http://kiamshacom.blogspot.com/2007/09/blessings-all-my-debut-novel....

Are you looking for a great summer read that discusses African American art? If yes, click here to purchase a copy of Love’s Troubadours – Karma: Book One from Amazon.com: www.amazon.com/Loves-Troubadours-Karma-Book-One/dp/0595440819/ref=p....