“We can go to African life and get a certain amount of form and color, understanding and using this knowledge in the development of an expression that interprets our life.” -Aaron Douglas. Although Aaron Douglas was a painter and an illustrator, he was considered to be the primary visual artist of the Harlem Renaissance. His artistic understanding had a lasting legacy on American art history. Aaron expresses himself through his paintings reveals an importance of what he believed in. He believed in fighting to get freedom, not only for himself, but also for his entire race.
Aaron douglas contributed greatly in the Harlem Renaissance. He was apart of the intellectual movement that ignite a new identity for African Americans. Through art, people were united which lead to racial pride. Many illustrators including Aaron, express their way of thinking into their artwork. Aaron Douglas influenced future generations to become people of dignity. He fled from the oppressive system and found a place where he could freely explore his talents. However,
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Even when he was going through financial problems, he kept on pursuing his dreams. There were many trials that came his way, yet, he did not let any stop him from achieving his goals. “The Eleventh Stack” is a piece that captures the idea of slaves fighting for their freedom. Aaron Douglas expressed how Blacks were enslaved by drawing the human figures to be ordered around. They seem to be pointing at something which signify that they will keep enduring to be able to have a better life. Another well known painting made by Aaron was “Aspects of Negro life”. There is a lady in the picture who is looking up, indicating that perhaps there was still some hope left for them to escape. This painting reveal the reality of life in the south. These series of paintings display a much more in depth meaning as to many artworks made by other