Toyin Ojih Odutola: The UmuEze Amara Clan and the House of Obafemi

(Hardback)

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This extraordinary illustrated story Toyin Ojih Odutolas best-known body of work chronicles the private lives of two fictional aristocratic Nigerian families, the UmuEze Amara Clan and the House of Obafemi, if colonialist and slave-trade interventions had never disrupted the country. Rendered life-size in charcoal, pastel, and pencil, Ojih Odutolas figures appear enigmatic and mysterious, set against the artists larger conceived narrative, highlighting the malleability of identity and assumptions about race, wealth, and class.The UmuEze Amara Clan and the House of Obafemipresents the story of these families in four chapters illustrated and authored by Ojih Odutola, accompanied by the artists sketches and notes. Also included are several insightful essays on the artist herself by noted writers and critics Zadie Smith, Leigh Raiford, and others.

An introduction to the artists vivid fictionalised world, as well as a reflection on the role of this body of work within her broader practice, this remarkable volume serves as the essential guide to Ojih Odutolas unique form of storytelling.

Reviews

"Featuring essays by Zadie Smith and others, this illustrated tale by a Nigerian American artist renders in charcoal, pastel and pencil two elite families in a Nigeria untouched by colonialism and the slave trade."NEW YORK TIMES BOOK REVIEW

"Best Gift Books of 2021: The UmuEze Amara Clan and the House of Obafemi tells the story of two fictional aristocratic Nigerian families living in a world untouched by colonialism and the slave trade. The narrative is told by Ojih Odutola through words and life-size charcoal and pastel illustrations. The book is an excellent introduction to the artists work and includes her original sketches and notes as well as several insightful essays by noted writers and critics Zadie Smith, Leigh Raiford, and others."NEW YORK MAGAZINE

Author Bio

Zadie Smithis an English novelist, essayist, and short-story writer.Leigh Raifordis Associate Professor of African American Studies at UC Berkeley.

Osman Can Yerebakanis a curator and writer based in New York.A

mber Jamilla Musseris an Associate Professor of American Studies at George Washington University.

Rujeko Hockleyis Assistant Curator at the Whitney Museum of American Art.

Melinda Langis Curatorial Assistant at the Whitney Museum.

Joeonna Bellorado-Samuelsis Director of the Jack Shainman Gallery in New York.