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book cover for Black, Queer, and Untold

Black, Queer, and Untold

A New Archive of Designers, Artists, and Trailblazers

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Pub Date Nov 19 2024 | Archive Date Nov 12 2024

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Description

Uncover oft-forgotten figures in Black and Queer art history in this treasure trove of nearly 400 full-color images from the 19th century to the present 

“This wildly impressive feat of research outlines a Black, queer history of art and design, dating all the way back to the 19th century. The book also represents author and graphic designer Jon Key’s effort to situate himself in the history of American visual culture, from which Black queer contributions have too often been erased.” — them.

In Black, Queer, & Untold, acclaimed designer and artist Jon Key pays tribute to the incredible designers, artists, and people who were erased from a design canon that consistently failed artists who were not white, straight, and male. From abolitionist newspapers to the little magazines of the Harlem Renaissance to the zines that fueled AIDS activism, Key takes an expansive approach to design history from the 19th century to the present. Arranged chronologically in six sections, Key leaves no stone unturned and carefully surveys oral histories, personal narratives, album covers, newspaper clippings, academic essays, archival letters, posters and other design objects. Guided by his firm narrative hand, he provides these unsung heroes with an enduring, reverential stage – and in so doing, gifts us a book that takes its place among the creative arts canon. 

P R A I S E

Winner: PubWest Diverse Voices Design Award

A CultureType Best Black Art Book of 2024

★ “Artist, designer, and writer Key provides a glimpse of the people and objects whose contributions to the graphic arts intersect their queerness and Blackness… A thoughtful culmination of research, written with emotional intensity. A necessary purchase.”
Library Journal (starred)

Uncover oft-forgotten figures in Black and Queer art history in this treasure trove of nearly 400 full-color images from the 19th century to the present 

“This wildly impressive feat of research...


Available Editions

EDITION Other Format
ISBN 9781646143764
PRICE $35.00 (USD)
PAGES 448

Available on NetGalley

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Featured Reviews

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I admired the range of this book, and the attention to detail and amount of research that went into it. I loved learning about types of medium when it comes to art, whether that be painting or photography, but the importance of capturing a moment and visual arts in history. One of the reasons I was drawn to the book was the title, displaying the significance of intersectionality and how our society needs to do better in recognizing this aspect. We live in a time where we must be aware of respecting others and educating ourselves on topics that might be unknown to us. I appreciated how it was chronological, watching the progress of art and meaning to individuals over time as a reflection of time and environment. The personal connections to the author and our American culture and existence was great to read about. I have also found artists that I am excited to dive into more.

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**ARC received in exchange for an honest review**


It's no secret that minorities are still excluded from many LGBTQ+ spaces and often face even harsher discrimination due to the intersection of racism and homophobia. That’s why I’m eagerly anticipating the physical release of this book. It’s a powerful non-fiction memoir/historical procession of the authors journey growing up queer and black and reflecting on important figures throughout history.
With that the author shines a light on Queer History in general through the lens of Black intellectuals, fighters, political figures, writers, artists, activists, and more, spanning from the 19th century to today.

What stood out to me the most were the artifacts—ranging from photographs to newspaper clippings and drawings—which brought history to life. I also appreciated the fresh insights of the author’s life. A
vulnerable yet strong and empowering narration.

(Some background information was entirely new to me, and I was thrilled to learn more about some of my favorite historical figures, like Zora Neale Hurston and Toni Morrison)

Thank you NetGalley and Jon Key for the ARC!

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