Transcending medium, chronology, and geography, Carrie Mae Weems: The Heart of the Matter puts the artist—as well as her spiritual and philosophical journeys—at the center of the discourse. Weems is a touchstone artist, renowned for her work investigating history, identity, and power. A comprehensive monograph, The Heart of the Matter features generous presentations of landmark bodies of work, from Family Pictures and Stories (1981–82) to her most recent series on the Black church. Throughout the book, the artist’s spiritual musings provide critical insight into the iconic artist’s mind and eye. Newly commissioned essays and additional contributions from esteemed thinkers and scholars across generations underscore the singular value of Weems’s vision in grappling with the complexities and injustices of the world around us.

A related touring exhibition, The Heart of the Matter, curated by Sarah Hermanson Meister, is a project by Gallerie d’Italia, museum of Intesa Sanpaolo, in collaboration with Aperture.

The book is copublished by Aperture and Allemandi Editore.