CAM is thrilled to join up with Left Bank Books as they relaunch their reading group Read the Resistance for a special series inspired by the exhibition Stories of Resistance. Each month, a virtual discussion group will unpack the selected book through prompts and visual cues from artworks in the exhibition that inspired the book selection. April’s selection is Black Sun by Rebecca Roanhorse, the first book in the Between Earth and Sky trilogy, inspired by the civilizations of the Pre-Columbian Americas and woven into a tale of celestial prophecies, political intrigue, and forbidden magic. Roanhorse drew influences from the mound builders of Cahokia for the setting of Black Sun, along with other great Indigenous civilizations that she animates in this fantasy tale.

The book was selected in response to Wendy Red Star’s Accession series, selections of which are on view as part of Stories of Resistance. In these works, Red Star combines reproductions of catalogue card images of Apsáalooke (Crow) clothing and ceremonial objects in the Denver Art Museum with photographs of parade participants from the 2018 Crow Fair wearing similar, and in some cases identical, objects. A discussion of the book and artwork invites participants to create connections across space and time with Indigenous cultures. The event is accompanied by the release of the Radio Resistance episode “Perseverance and Participation,” featuring Dyson and scholar Geoff Ward.

You’re encouraged to participate even if you haven’t finished reading the book, or are planning to start! 

Books are available at CAM or Left Bank Books at our discounted reading group rate. Please email Shane at Shane.m@left-bank.com with any questions.