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Artists’ illustrated books are limited-edition, fine art books usually initiated by a publisher or an author, rather than the artist. The artist may be invited to illustrate a poem or other text, or create a portfolio of original prints published by an art dealer or fine art press. This genre, which appeared early in the 20th century and continues today, is notable for its high quality paper, printing, and binding.
The distinction between artists’ books and artists’ illustrated books may lie in the eye of the beholder as much as in formal definitions. Both offer the readers pleasurable visual and tactile experiences.
For more information about artists’ illustrated books, click here.
b. 1932, Nigeria
Bruce Onobrakpeya Portfolio of Art and Literature (detail)
Lagos, Nigeria: Ovuomaroro Studio & Gallery, 2003
Edition 19/75
Smithsonian Libraries
Read the poem on the right, then look at the picture on the left. Can you hear and see what the poet Tanure Ojaide and the artist Bruce Onobrakpeya are telling us?
After my feathers have turned red
with the blood of victims
The hawk, attired in military uniform with wings tinged in blood, has his boot on the body of a man lying on the ground.
After I have become immortal
let there be peace.
We know the hawk as a bird of prey—the power of the predator over the helpless victim. Here is the hypocrisy of the dictator who prays for peace.
This is one of 27 prints that Onobrakpeya made to illustrate poems and stories by African writers.
For more information about Bruce Onobrakpeya Portfolio, click here.
b. 1966, South Africa
Coex’ae Qgam
1934–2008, Botswana
Thamae Setshogo
b. 1971, Botswana
Qauqaua: A San Folk Story from Botswana Told by Coex’ae Qgam (detail)
Johannesburg, South Africa: The Artists’ Press, 1996
Edition 52/100
Smithsonian Libraries
The San folktale “Qauqaua” tells a rather gruesome story.
Qauqaua kills her husband, Duu, after he killed her mother. She flees. Seeking revenge, his brothers pursue Qauqaua and kill her. Her blood soaks into the ground to become the morama bean plant and the wild potato. Her body turns into a smooth, shiny stone.
In this illustration by Coex’ae Qgam, known as Dadaa, Qauqaua gathers ostrich thorns to slow down the brothers-in-law in pursuit.
The informally trained San artists from Botswana did not initiate this project, but were invited by The Artists’ Press.
For more information about Qauqaua, click here.
