51ĀŅĀ×

OHIO Libraries will virtually host Carole Genshaft and Deidre Hamlar to talk about the recently released book, ā€œā€ 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, ā€œRagginā€™ On,ā€ contains images of artist Aminah Robinsonā€™s home and furnishings, and her art and writings, which were all left to the CMA when she died in 2015. 

ā€œIn 1989, I spent many months interviewing Aminah and was able to record her thoughts about many subjects related to her work,ā€ said Genshaft, who enjoyed a close relationship with Robinson. ā€œI believe these insights have guided the direction of the book to some extent, but that the views of the other essayists add new perspectives.ā€

Much of Robinsonā€™s 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 ā€œmud ragā€ books and dolls, as well as woodcut prints and drawings on handmade paper.   

Hamlar is co-curating an exhibit of Robinsonā€™s 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. 

ā€œDeidre Hamlar and I will focus on the content of the book,ā€ Genshaft said. ā€œIt is a very unique story because the book and exhibition focus on the contents of an artistā€™s home studio.ā€

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, womenā€™s studies, political science and American history. 

ā€œBut 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,ā€ she said.

Genshaft hopes that those who attend the talk, like those who read the book, will experience the essence of Robinsonā€™s work, which many characterize as ā€œsacred,ā€ and that students and scholars will be inspired to consider studying Robinsonā€™s 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/51ĀŅĀ× Libraries