What happens when Black artists depict Black figures? What art does this produce, and what worlds of possibility does this reveal?' Ekow EshunThis visual giftbook introduces readers to the field of Black figuration by highlighting a selection of key works from the National Portrait Gallery exhibition, The Time is Always Now: Artists Reframe the Black Figure. Readers will encounter contemporary Black artists producing beautiful, urgent artworks that present the Black form with nuance and depth.Richly illustrated with artworks and visual details, alongside short biographies for all featured artists, as well as quotations featuring their voices, this accessible publication offers an opportunity for readers to experience some of the most exciting and important figures in portraiture today.Featured artists include Hurvin Anderson, Michael Armitage, Jordan Casteel, Njideka Akunyili Crosby, Noah Davis, Godfried Donkor, Kimathi Donkor, Denzil Forrester, Lubaina Himid, Claudette Johnson, Titus Kaphar, Kerry James Marshall, Wangechi Mutu, Toyin Ojih Odutola, Chris Ofili, Jennifer Packer, Thomas J. Price, Nathaniel Mary Quinn, Lorna Simpson, Amy Sherald, Henry Taylor and Barbara Walker