The Drawing Center is pleased to partner with the Black Art Library to present a curated selection of books available for reference in our bookstore, in conjunction with the exhibition Certainly an Act: Works on Paper by Pope.L. This dedicated space doubles as a reading room for visitors and community members to enjoy throughout the duration of the exhibition — feel free to peruse the selection, find something to read, and stay awhile.

Founded by Asmaa Walton in 2020, Black Art Library is a collection of books based in Detroit created as a tactile means for communities to engage with Black artists and art history. The collection of over 800 volumes serves as a living archive spanning artist monographs and biographies, memoirs, exhibition catalogs, art historical texts, and ephemera. Through events, pop-ups, and partnerships, the Black Art Library provides a platform for community accessibility and engagement, celebrating the rich legacy of Black art.