Joan Kee's 'The Geometries of Afro Asia' Reimagines Black and Asian Artistic Connections

Joan Kee, an art historian, presents a new perspective in her book, 'The Geometries of Afro Asia: Art Beyond Solidarity,' which employs geometric principles to reevaluate the connections between African and Asian artists, transcending Cold War frameworks such as the Bandung Conference of 1955. Released by University of California Press at a price of $85, the work challenges prevailing media narratives and ideological identities, utilizing mathematical ideas to illustrate cultural connections. Kee's analysis spans from mid-twentieth-century conflicts to modern geopolitical issues, including pieces like Joo Myung Duck's photography and Faith Ringgold's Buddhist thangka. While she advocates for a focus on sovereignty rather than solidarity, critiques arise regarding her treatment of Afro-Asian tensions, prompting discussions on the book's optimistic stance. Kee's geometric approach seeks to foster deeper dialogues.