Book Review: Coreen Simpson’s Captivating Photography Chronicles Black Beauty and Culture
Coreen Simpson’s photography captures both celebrities and everyday people with such intimacy that they might call to mind your neighbors and friends. Her career spans decades, showcasing Black culture in all its glory and diversity. From churchwomen in their Sunday best to high-fashion runways, Simpson’s lens celebrates Black self-fashioning in all its forms.
The recently released book, “Coreen Simpson: A Monograph,” is a tribute to Simpson’s career since the 1970s. Edited by Sarah Lewis, Leigh Raiford, and Deborah Willis, the book features rich essays that delve into Simpson’s impact on Black stylistic history. Bridget R. Cooks explores her artistic journey in “Fashioning the Self,” while Valerie Cassel Oliver examines Simpson’s surrealism in “Pictorial Fabulations.”
Simpson’s work extends beyond photography; she is also renowned for her jewelry designs, particularly the Black Cameo, a symbol of afrocentric beauty. The popularity of her jewelry line helped finance her photography equipment and propel her career. Despite her success in the fashion industry and the Black arts scene, “Coreen Simpson: A Monograph” is the first comprehensive celebration of her work.
The book showcases Simpson’s early work, featuring photographs that capture the essence of different eras, from glamorous nightlife scenes to candid street portraits. Her images exude a sense of positivity and representation, embodying the ethos of “THINK POSITIVE” displayed in one of her iconic photographs from Harlem in 1980.
As the book progresses, it delves into Simpson’s diasporic portraiture, reminiscent of renowned photographers like Malick Sidibé and Seydou Keïta. Her documentation of New York City’s B-Boys in the 1980s showcases her ability to capture the essence of a subculture with grandeur and intimacy. The later sections of the book focus on her Nitebirds/Nightlife series, where she immortalizes musical icons and captures the vibrance of after-hours functions.
Simpson’s work is a testament to the power of art in self-determination. Her images reflect the beauty and innovation of Black culture across generations and the diaspora. From her childhood in Brooklyn to her prolific career as a photographer and jewelry designer, Simpson’s work embodies a deep sense of community care and love.
“Coreen Simpson: A Monograph” is a must-read for anyone interested in the intersection of art, culture, and Black identity. It reminds us of the importance of self-fashioning and the enduring beauty of Black self-expression. Available online and from independent booksellers, this book is a tribute to a trailblazing artist whose work continues to inspire and captivate audiences worldwide.
