Virgil Abloh: "Figures of Speech"

Virgil Abloh: "Figures of Speech" is an unprecedented publication that delves into the genre-bending work of artist and designer Virgil Abloh (American, b. 1980). The first section features essays and an interview that examine Abloh's pioneering practice through the lenses of contemporary art history, architecture, streetwear, high fashion, and race to provide insight into a prolific and impactful career that cuts across media, connecting visual artists, musicians, graphic designers, fashion designers, major brands, and architects. The book also contains a massive archive of images culled from Abloh's personal files on major projects, revealing behind-the-scenes snapshots, prototypes, inspirations, and more—set to intimate commentary by the artist himself. A gorgeous, full-color, 101-page plate section offers a detailed view Abloh's work across disciplines. The volume includes essays by curator Michael Darling, Michael Rock, Taiye Selasi, and Lou Stoppard; an in-depth conversation with the artist led by Rem Koolhaas; and creative contributions by Samir Bantal and Anja Aronowsky Cronberg.

Hardcover, 496 pages with 1,932 images, copublished by the Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago and DelMonico Books•Prestel.

Virgil Abloh: “Figures of Speech” was organized by the Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago, curated by Michael Darling, James W. Alsdorf Chief Curator, with curatorial assistance from Chanon Kenji Praepipatmongkol, Marjorie Susman Curatorial Fellow, and presented in the Griffin Galleries of Art, June 10–September 22, 2019.