Essay On Harlem Renaissance Art

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The Oxford Dictionary defines it as “a revival of art and literature under the influence of classical models throughout the period.” The Harlem Renaissance, which involved the migration of African Americans, was a period of time where African Americans moved up north and had the opportunity to finally express themselves through their cultural arts. These arts were not only broadcasted as entertainment, but as well as a civil rights movement. With African Americans still fighting for their recognition and rights in America, they wanted to show what they were really capable of. This lead to the Renaissance being a phenomenal and inspiring cultural awakening for the African Americans which lead to social change. The Harlem Renaissance was a time …show more content…

Thomas Wedgwood art “Am I Not A Man and A Brother”, which was created during slavery for abolitionist, symbolizes a political issue regarding themselves in an artistic from.The art illustrates an image with an African American man, kneeling, with hands his chained while they are raised. Wedgwood here in this image stresses the importance of equality between the African Americans with the whites. This idea of equality was a key concept during the Harlem Renaissance. Another artist would be Aaron Douglas for his inspiring “Aspiration”, another art piece created during slavery, represents the struggle of slavery but also the hope that arose from it. As the art is displayed, there are three main figures with many chained figures below, gazing to the top of the mountain. The colors are a mix of dark and light colors and from it comes a star that fades to the edges of the artwork. As demonstrated, Aspiration drives the African Americans harsh conditions into a positive motivation. Leading to most of the vibes and opinions felt through the renaissances. Lastly, Lois Mailou Jones’ art, “African Masks”, beautifully detected the emotion an African American would feel during this time period. To describe, the art showed variety of emotions, both positive and negative that were placed on masks. Dialogues that were in play, but with only facial emotions. Unlike the