Exploring the Harlem Renaissance: Key Artists and Impact
School
Dallas County Community College**We aren't endorsed by this school
Course
HUMANITIES 1301
Subject
Arts & Humanities
Date
Dec 12, 2024
Pages
3
Uploaded by CoachIceHornet40
Name: Brooklynn Fynn Date: 29 October 2024Humanities: Notes on the Harlem Renaissance PowerPoint1. What does the word “Renaissance” mean? The French word “Renaissance” means the rebirth or revival of classical art and literature which took place between the 14th-16th Century of Europe, bringing about the transition from the medieval to modern period.2. What is “The Renaissance” we normally think of? The humanistic revival of classical art, architecture, literature, and learning that originated in Italyin the 14th century and later spread throughout Europe. The period of this revival, roughly the 14th through the 16th century, marking the transition from medieval to modern times.3. Philosophy from “The Renaissance” included ideas about: Humanism, the idea that humans themselves were creative and worthySecularism, the idea that art could be about non-religious subjects (like a Maypole dance, music to celebrate romance, etc.)Heliocentrism, the idea that the earth revolved around the sun and the sun was the center of our galaxy4. What renaissance originated in America? The Harlem RenaissanceWhere, specifically? Harlem, New York5. What were the aims of this renaissance: Artists aimed to redefine Black identity by gaining more control over how black culture was being represented at the time. 6. What philosopher /writer edited Harlem: Mecca of the New Negro Alain Locke7. Give another example of a writer of the times: Langston Hughes8. Two organizations that were born at this time: The National Urban League and National Association for The Advancement of Colored People9. What musical genre was created during this time? Jazz10. Name some of the visual artists of this movement: William H Johnson, Luis Mailou Jones, Aaron Douglas, Palmer Hayden 11. Name a photographer: James Van Der ZeeSculptor: Sargent Claude Johnson12. What Mexican artist celebrated this renaissance? Miguel Convarrubias13. Name some of the writers of this movement: Jean Toomer, Countee Cullen, Langston Hughes14. Name some of the musicians of this movement: Louis Armstrong, Duke Ellington, James P. Johnson15. What strikes you most about this renaissanceThe fact that black communities saw relevance in redefining themselves in the arts strikes me, as art is often overlooked by society as something of importance; however, it shapes and moulds our culture and society in unique ways. For them to see the importance of that during this renaissance moved me. 16. Why do you think this renaissance was so important? The Harlem Renaissance was key in laying down the foundation of the Civil Rights Movement during the 1950s and 1960s and allowed African Americans to control how they were represented in society, giving them a sense of pride.17. Were people like Martin Luther King, Jr. part of this renaissance? NoMichael Jackson? NoWhy or why not? They did not actively engage as roles in the Harlem Renaissance due to the fact that they were both born after this period ended.II: Art of the Harlem Renaissance •Pick an artist you admire from the Harlem Renaissance: Aaron Douglas•What genre(s) did this artist work in? Afro-cubism and Harlem Renaissance Modernism
•List some of the interesting biographical points of this artist’s life: - He was born in 1899 in Kansas - His work style grew to be deeply influenced by Alain Locke’s encouragement for him to embrace African themes - He illustrated for influential Black publications like The Crisis and Opportunity.- Douglas has left a legacy as the “Father of Black American Art”Source in the format as below: Fisk University. “Aaron Douglas, Harlem Renaissance Painter and Fisk University Art Faculty Member.” Fisk University. 31 Oct. 2024. https://www.fisk.edu.Metropolitan Museum of Art. “Aaron Douglas and the Harlem Renaissance.” The Met. 31 Oct. 2024. https://www.metmuseum.org.Library of Congress. “Aspects of Negro Life by Aaron Douglas.” Library of Congress. 31 Oct. 2024. https:/ www.loc.gov.4. Name one of the artist’s works: Aspects of Negro Life (1934) •Describe this work:This artwork is a mural series Douglas created which display the African American history. It consists of four panels that have bright colors, silhouettes and geometric shapes that formulate an illustration of the history within the Black community of the United States. Each panel represents a different stage in this history. Panel 1 brings the viewers attention to the origins of African Americans using African masks, sunbeam-like shapes and lines to emphasize their connection to their ancestral culture. Panel 2 shows parts of slavery and a struggle to freedom where enslaved people appear to be darker silhouettes. They contrast figures reaching up towards a large star, to resemble hope and progress of some sort. In Panel 3 the lingering struggles and endurance after the era or slavery is shown through images of oppression (the chains and shackles woven into the design). And finally Panel 4 is mainly focused on the vibrant element the Harlem Renaissance brought as there are books and musical instruments included in this panel which represent the growth of art, knowledge and culture. Metropolitan Museum of Art. “Aaron Douglas and the Harlem Renaissance.” The Met. 31 Oct. 2024. https://www.metmuseum.org.Library of Congress. “Aspects of Negro Life by Aaron Douglas.” Library of Congress. 31 Oct. 2024. https://www.loc.gov.•What intrigues you about this work? There is so much happening in this artwork that it almost feels chaotic; however, what intrigues me is the fact that even among this dramatic history with such a rich culture and origin, it is illustrated in the form of silhouettes, almost as if the history of African Americans was only a shadow in society, hidden in the dark and following behind others. It raises a question in me of whether Douglas was trying to illustrate how the African American history is forgotten or brushed aside in some sense, even though it holds so much great history and
rich culture. Extra credit: draw something in the style of this artist (even if rough). You can attach as a separate file.