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The Surreal Collages of Lorna Simpson

MESMERIZING

From the pages of Ebony and Jet, an artist’s manipulated images reflect the complexities of beauty, gender, and representation.

Kelly Caminero

Senior Photo Editor

Updated Oct. 20, 2018 1:36PM ET / Published Jun. 16, 2018 9:38PM ET 

Lorna Simpson, published by Chronicle Books 2018

1/13

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.

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