In 1963–83, a period of radical change, young black artists at the beginning of their careers in the USA confronted key questions and pressures. How could they make complex, innovative art that would also reflect their concerns and experience as African Americans?

As the accompanying catalogue to the Soul of a Nation exhibition at Tate Modern, this book surveys a crucial period in American art history, bringing to light previously neglected histories of twentieth-century Black artists, including Frank Bowling, Sam Gilliam, Melvin Edwards, Bettye Saar, Jack Whitten and William T. Williams.

Mark Godfrey is Senior Curator, International Art (Europe and Americas) at Tate Modern.

Zoe Whitley is Adjunct Research Curator, Tate Modern.