The value of art and what constitutes good art is determined by the market, as there are no inherent standards of quality in the art world. Art is largely subjective, allowing for freedom from the constraints of objective criteria and history, offering the pleasure of creating visual fiction and imaginary narratives.
Throughout her prolific writing career, Nell Irvin Painter has published works on such luminaries as Sojourner Truth, Ralph Waldo Emerson, and Malcolm X. Her unique vantage on American history pushes the boundaries of personal narrative and academic authorship and asks readers to reconsider ideas of race, politics, and identity. She joins to discuss her legendary career as a distinguished historian, award-winning author, and artist.