The Surreal Collages of Lorna Simpson

Jet Numbers, 2012

Lorna Simpson has created a body of work that challenges conventional narratives on the perception of gender and representation. She uses a combination of vintage advertisements, specifically from Ebony and Jet magazines, and colorful ink, peculiar objects, and astrological configurations from old textbooks to embellish the models.

In her new book, poet Elizabeth Alexander introduces her collage collection with a declaration: “Black women’s heads of hair are galaxies unto themselves, solar systems, moonscapes, volcanic interiors.” It sets up the visual imagery of what is to be expected throughout the book.

Here, a sampling of 160 Simpson works illustrating her perspective—and her outlet for beauty and empowerment.