RACISM: an American family value

It’s as American as apple pie…

These are two postcards I picked up tonight on my way out of the Center for Book Arts.  I met my friend Rosa there to see a film on Amos Paul Kennedy, Jr., whose work wasn’t familiar to me; he’s “a lowly printer from Alabama” and the curator of an exhibit at the CBA: “Racism: an American family value.” If you’re in NYC, do stop by…otherwise, check out Kennedy’s website to see his provocative posters and prints.  The film suggests Kennedy is part of the Micromentalist Movement, which is opposed to art only being sold in commercial galleries, and only being affordable for the rich.  Kennedy sells his prints at amazingly low prices–1 for $15 or 2 for $20–“cash and carry” art for the masses!  There weren’t a whole lot of black folks in that film, which was unfortunate, but Kennedy’s antics are amusing and the exhibit itself is full of amazing art.  It’s easy to take art for granted in NYC because there’s so much of it, but I’m glad I got out tonight to take in this particular show.  At age 40, Kennedy quit his job as an analyst for AT&T and became “a humble Negro printer.”  I’m jobless at 36, so I guess I’m ahead of the game…