A Parallel Road by Amani Willett

A collection of works by American photographer Amani Willett.

Since the middle of the 20th century, the concept of "road" has been talked about with a kind of romance in American popular culture. Writers, artists and photographers have been inspired by the raw tales of the Beat Generation's legendary road trips to portray the road as a metaphorical symbol of freedom, independence and self-discovery. However, this accumulated image has an aspect that is remarkably lacking. It is the "way" experience for Black Americans that is often associated with fear, violence and death rather than freedom. Their experience contrasted with the homey, fun times road trips brought to white Americans.

In 1936, New York postman Victor Green devised a plan to address the dangers African-American travelers might encounter while traveling by car. Created "The Negro Motorist Green Book". Published annually for the next 30 years, it was a practical and essential guidebook listing places where black people could safely eat and sleep while traveling so that they would not risk their lives. Produced in the same size as the original Green Book, the book, 84 years after its first publication, interweaves archives including newly shot portraits, landscapes, screenshots, and photos of Willett's own family. A tribute to the Green Book. It explores themes of history, racism, violence, and black identity in America, reflecting on the country's past and present, and encouraging inclusiveness and dialogue around America's complex and integral narrative.

In response to the first edition being sold out, this hardcover version has been created with an additional 8 pages. There are artist book edition , which is limited to 100 copies, and , printed edition , which is limited to 30 copies.

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Title: A Parallel Road
Artist: Amani Willett
Overlapse, 2021
Hardcover, section-sewn
176 x 130 x 14 mm
120 pages
Text in English
Second edition
ISBN:
9781999446871
¥3,800 + tax