Rediscovering the Photographs of Ernest Cole | Aperture Conversations

Learn more about the newly released Aperture photobook, “Ernest Cole: The True America.”
Leslie Matlaisane, chairperson of the Ernest Cole Family Trust and nephew of Ernest Cole, Aperture’s Denise Wolff, editor of this title, and curator and contributor Leslie M. Wilson discuss the first publication of Cole’s photographs depicting Black lives in the United States during the turbulent and eventful late 1960s and early 1970s.
After fleeing South Africa to publish his landmark book “House of Bondage” (1967) on the horrors of apartheid, Cole resettled in New York. He photographed extensively on the streets of New York City and documented Black communities in cities and rural areas of the United States-traveling across the country in the months leading up to and just after the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr. “The True America” provides an important window into American society and establishes Cole’s place in the history of American photography.
Order “Ernest Cole: The True America” here: bit.ly/4bZmRF2
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This event was recorded live on February 27, 2024.
All images: Ernest Cole, Untitled, 1968-71; from Ernest Cole: The True America (Aperture, 2024). © 2024 Ernest Cole Family Trust

[@wandilemsomi]

His eye is different... thank you for up holding his narrative. It's hard for us to promote our own work and art as we live in a labor camp, and it is hard for the space to support and promote honesty focus works. Thanks for not letting this work blow in the wind...

[@ApertureNewYork]

Thank you to everyone who joined us live for this compelling conversation around Ernest Cole's life and legacy. Enjoy a recording of the event here, and if you or someone you know has any information on Ernest Cole's life and work, we'd love to hear from you! Email [e-mail]

[@fraaz_k]

lovely!