Discover the powerful and evocative world of Black figuration with this visually stunning gift book, inspired by the National Portrait Gallery’s exhibition The Time is Always Now: Artists Reframe the Black Figure. This carefully curated collection features the extraordinary works of 22 contemporary Black artists, each offering a unique perspective on the Black form with unparalleled nuance and depth.

Inside, you’ll find compelling artwork from renowned artists like Hurvin Anderson, Jordan Casteel, Njideka Akunyili Crosby, and Kerry James Marshall, among others. Each piece is accompanied by insightful artist biographies and reflections on their creative processes, complemented by thought-provoking excerpts from iconic Black writers such as Langston Hughes and W.E.B. DuBois.

This publication serves a dual purpose: showcasing the individual brilliance of these artists while celebrating a collective affirmation of Black presence and identity. It’s an invitation to explore and appreciate some of the most impactful and dynamic representations of the Black figure in contemporary art.