Africa Through the Eyes of Women Artists generates energy, history, contemporary ideas, and the natural elements of expression that converge in a centrifugal purpose. The lens of women artists and their unique frames of reference provide a beautifully treated and authentic collage of the African experience.

"Betty LaDuke's Africa Through the Eyes of Women Artists, unusual portraits of twelve artists from Africa and the Diaspora, makes a significant contribution to women's studies, African diaspora studies, and art history and cultural history. This collection of essays, which result from sensitive interviews conducted by LaDuke with women of African descent throughout the diaspora, provides extraordinary insight into the nature of creative expression among a group of women too long ignored by scholars. LaDuke's pioneering and courageous effort to make visible in this way such a diverse group of talented women deserves our applause." -Beverly Guy-Sheftall, Spelman College

"Africa Through the Eyes of Women Artists is uncontested int eh coverage of the subject. Unlike most experts on African art, LaDuke also includes artists from Egypt, Morocco, and South Africa, treating Africa as the continent that it truly is. The artistic accomplishments of the women she has selected have provided their local and international audiences a view of the world as it is today and as it is today and as it transforms into a new order wherein the words 'us' and the 'other' are rapidly losing their application/ Written in clear and direct prose, this volume is a must for artists and patrons alike. Future discussions concerning the arts of Africa cannot be held without reference to this timely arrival." -John Nunley, Author, Moving with the Face of the Devil: Art and Politics in Urban West Africa

"The emergence of this literature provides the visibility, meaning and context to more correctly address the complexities of Africa and its relationship to the world. The 'Earth Mothers' in LaDuke's book speak to the tenacity of their survival and the creative vitality of womanhood. At last! A book which initiates theis dialogue between the authentic interpreter and this unique community of authentic women artists." -Leslie King Hammond, Dean of Graduate Studies, Maryland Institute, College of Art

"Written in the voice of compassion, this book eradicates the vacuum of statement by both women and artists that the world needs so desperately to hear. By focusing on Africa, it compels the reader to be awakened to the frontiers of possibility. By making it so richly personal and diverse, Betty LaDuke manages artistic persentation and educational enrichment to accomplish a truly valuable collaboration." -Michael Grice, Commissioner, Oregon Arts Commission

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
BETTY LADUKE is a painter who resides in Ashland, Oregon, where she teaches at Southern Oregon State College. She traveled to Africa four times to complete Africa Through the Eyes of Women Artists. LaDuke is the author of Companeras: Women, Art and Social Change in latin America. She is a contributor to many journals, incluging Women's Art Journal, Sage and Art Education.

CATEGORY
Art Studies, Women's Studies/AFRICA