Studies the history of abstraction in architecture and posits its subversive potential for contemporary Black creators.

In Black Abstraction in Architecture, Sean Canty charts the evolution of architectural abstraction from its roots in Euclidean geometry, through its utilization as a vehicle for colonial expansion, to its contemporary reappropriation by Black cultural practitioners. Canty’s comprehensive historical and critical scrutiny reveals the paradoxical nature of abstraction as both a mechanism of marginalization and a potent instrument for socio-political discourse and renewal. By focusing on the transformative contributions of David Hammons, Amanda Williams, and Theaster Gates, this essay illustrates how these artists and architects employ abstraction to question, reinterpret, and enrich architectural standards, embedding within them a rich tapestry of cultural, political, and societal narratives.

Canty’s approach not only subverts traditional architectural frameworks but also illuminates the potential of abstraction to cultivate a more equitable and introspective architectural conversation. He advocates for a methodology that is at once inventive, inclusive, and sensitive to the intricate interplay of history, identity, and form.