Certainly an Act: Works on Paper by Pope.L
June 26 – September 27, 2026
ViewBlack Art Library at The Drawing Center
June 26 – September 27, 2026
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.
Furniture for the space is generously on loan from Carl Hansen & Søn, Wooster St, NY.
Asmaa Walton
Asmaa Walton is a Detroit native and arts educator. Walton completed a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Art Education from Michigan State University in 2017 and a Master of Arts in Art Politics from New York University Tisch School of the Arts the following year. Walton spent time working at the Toledo Museum of Art and the Saint Louis Art Museum. Walton began Black Art Library in February of 2020 while working at the Saint Louis Art Museum with just 7 books, now the collection holds more than 600 books.