Theaster Gates (born 1973, Chicago) is described by Art Review as "one of the most influential people in the contemporary art world in 2018." As a socially engaged artist, he explores the complex and interconnected issues of race, land, and inequality. Living and working in Chicago, Gates began his career studying urban planning and then ceramics, elements that continue to inform his work.

At the center of the book, Gates looks at the history of Malaga Island in Maine, USA. In 1912, the state's governor evicted the ethnically diverse population of the island without any offer of housing or support. Gates's work - sculpture, installation, film, music, and dance - responds to this little-known history, connecting it to the broader African American history. A new film titled "Dance of Malaga 2019" includes choreography by acclaimed American dancer Kyle Abraham, and a significant feature of the publication is the many beautiful photographs from the film.

Through a combination of essays, Theaster Gates's own words, and a careful selection of illustrations, this publication will highlight the artist's influence on contemporary art and interracial relations, while its accessible approach will appeal to a wide audience.