American Progression by Luminice Press
Luminice Press: "In images and text, our artist book ‘American Progression’ encapsulates the sources of deep fissures in this country: white supremacy, the legacy of slavery, the constant influx of immigrants. And yet, there is progression beyond the fear and hate that separate Americans, as many find community and joy together, and share hope for the future."
Text Excerpts: “In 1950, 89.5% of Americans identified as white . . . By 2050, whites will be a minority (47%) . . . Many on the right bitterly resent losing privilege and power . . . . . . They remember the easy days before civil rights . . . When an ordinary white man was always better and smarter . . . When the sheriff looked the other way . . . . . . Desperate to hold on, they search for a leader who will raise them up again, a savior who will take control and lead them back to the white promised land. …For hundreds of years African slaves were submerged in American soil: endless brutality in endless fields of cotton, rice, tobacco, sugar cane . . . We shall rise . . . . . . Unlike Africans, Latino families have been desperate to escape their homes for a better, safer place, risking everything to migrate north . . . We must walk . . . . . . Poverty, injustice and hate are realities in America . . . Despite it all, people still find joy and see hope for the future . . . Black, brown, white . . . We can dance!”
Processes, Dimensions, and Edition Information
By Thomas Parker Williams & Mary Agnes Williams
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania: Luminice Press, 2024. Edition of 12.12.25” x 4.25” x .5”; 12 pages. Double-sided accordion. Printed on Stonehenge Polar White papers. Pochoir on paper over board. In slipcase with mylar insert. Illustrations on six panels with oil based inks over flood coats. Pochoir using 50 stencils. Letterpress printed from polymer plates. Concept, design, illustrations, pochoir, printing, binding by Thomas Parker Williams. Original text, text layout, printing by Mary Agnes Williams.