A Desire for Art Books as Christmas Gifts

Imani Perry’s “Black in Blues”: Discovering Blackness Through Art

Imani Perry’s “Black in Blues” is a compelling exploration of the colors black and blue, illuminating their cultural and historical significance. Not falling squarely into either art history or personal essay, the book offers a unique perspective on the intersection of these colors with Black identity.

Perry invites readers to reconsider their perceptions of black, a color often undervalued compared to the universally loved blue. She draws connections between the blue of the ocean and the harrowing journey of the Middle Passage, using art to illustrate her points. The works of Lorna Simpson and David Hammons are pivotal in her narrative. Simpson’s blue paintings and Hammons’s “Concerto in Black and Blue” are highlighted as expressive artworks capturing complex emotions tied to the Black experience.

This book resides among the favorites for 2025, known for its thought-provoking insights and is a recommended read for artists and visual thinkers. It not only traverses the history of Black identity but celebrates its beauty and resonance. In doing so, Perry hopes to evoke a newfound appreciation and love for the color black, much like a blues song that tells a story through its melody.

For more on this and other art books of 2025, visit the provided list of favorites and dive into the world of art through Perry’s and her contemporaries’ eyes.