Second Skin: Josephine Baker, the Modern Surface

Delve into the Intimate World of Josephine Baker

Josephine Baker, the legendary entertainer and activist, was a force of nature who embodied the complexities and contradictions of the modern era. Her life and work were a constant negotiation between her desire for self-expression and the social and racial boundaries that sought to define her.

In "Second Skin: Josephine Baker, the Modern Surface," acclaimed author and cultural historian J.E. Chamberlin offers a captivating account of Baker's extraordinary life, from her humble beginnings in St. Louis to her triumphant performances on the stages of Paris and beyond. Through a meticulous examination of Baker's personal papers, interviews with close associates, and a deep dive into the archives of the period, Chamberlin paints a vivid portrait of a woman who defied categorization.

Second Skin: Josephine Baker & the Modern Surface

by Anne Anlin Cheng

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	6504 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	249 pages
Lending	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported

FREE

Baker's rise to fame in the Jazz Age coincided with a period of great cultural upheaval and experimentation. She embraced the avant-garde spirit of the era, becoming a muse to artists like Pablo Picasso and Henri Matisse. Her performances, characterized by their sensuality and exoticism, challenged conventional notions of femininity and race.

A Trailblazing Artist and Activist

Beyond the stage, Baker was a vocal advocate for social justice and racial equality. She defied the Jim Crow laws that segregated America, becoming a symbol of hope for African Americans worldwide. She also played a pivotal role in the Resistance during World War II, earning her the prestigious Croix de Guerre.

"Second Skin" explores the profound impact Baker had on the art and culture of her time. Chamberlin argues that Baker's performances were not simply entertainment but acts of self-expression and political resistance. Through her dance, she subverted traditional gender roles and challenged racist stereotypes. She also used her platform to speak out against discrimination and injustice.

Exploring the Complexity of a Modern Icon

Chamberlin's book is a testament to Baker's enduring legacy. It sheds new light on her multifaceted personality, revealing her as a woman torn between her desire for freedom and her need for acceptance. She was both a symbol of liberation and a product of her time.

"Second Skin: Josephine Baker, the Modern Surface" is an essential read for anyone interested in the history of the Harlem Renaissance, the Jazz Age, and the ongoing struggle for racial and gender equality. It is a captivating biography that celebrates the life and work of an iconic artist and activist who left an indelible mark on the world.

Second Skin: Josephine Baker & the Modern Surface

by Anne Anlin Cheng

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	6504 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	249 pages
Lending	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported

FREE