Rizvana Bradley

Rizvana Bradley, an Associate Professor at UC Berkeley and author of Anti-Aesthetics, delves into the complexities of Black art and aesthetics. She argues that blackness is foundational yet unrepresentable within modern aesthetics, examining how artists like Glenn Ligon and Mickalene Thomas challenge aesthetic norms. Bradley critiques the notion of reparative readings of Black art and introduces the concept of Black esthesis, emphasizing its philosophical implications. Her work reveals how Black art engages deeply with the politics of form, inviting listeners to rethink conventional aesthetics.

Rizvana Bradley, an Associate Professor of Film and Media at UC Berkeley, dives deep into the concept of 'Black Aesthesis' in her latest work. She argues that blackness is a foundational yet unrepresentable aspect of modern aesthetics. Discussing the intersection of Black art and philosophy, she critiques the notion of art as mere resistance, highlighting its complex relationship with negativity and modernity. By analyzing various artists, she illustrates how Black art challenges traditional forms and reveals the racialized contours of representation, calling for a reevaluation of aesthetics itself.