Harlem Renaissance Art- Early Modern Art
Into Bondage by: Aaron Douglas
An oil painting done in 1936 as part of a commission in Dallas by the Texas Centennial Exposition. There are four works that were designed to hang in the Hall of Nigro Life, the paintings told the story of African Americans from slavery to the then present time.
This piece focuses on slavery, but it does so in such n emotion-filled way. The talent shown in how Douglas placed the figures' bodies shows so great sadness, but with a glimmer of hope. The man looking at the star holds distinctly different body posture compared to the individuals walking onto land with their heads hung low. I think Art Deco was a good choice because it lets the viewer focus on the emotion the piece elicits rather than nit-picking the art technique, personal opinion.
The art elements I love the most are specifically the dark upfront foliage that helps frame the figures and place the story's setting. I like how the sun is an overlaying set of circles that also resembles sound, possibly a song. The concept of hope not being found in the people in the Americas but hope being found in Nature is very strong and one I can relate to. The use of values in this piece is what allows this piece to be so complex to one who stops to look, yet apparently simple at a glance, but regardless at how one views, a message is still very visible which to me says Aaron did a great job fulfilling the commission.
1943 Oil painting, Nightlife by: Archibald John Motely Jr.
From the School of Art Institute in Chicago Motely depicts Bronzeville, a neighborhood in the South Side. What is so catching to me about Motely's work is how he depicts race, because he was mixed he suffered exclusion from both blacks and whites. This is extremely important to African Americans and so many others in the melting pot. The works he painted, many are mixed just like him, personally, I think Motely was way ahead of his time.
The prominent artificial lighting throughout the work supports the nightlife feel of the painting. He highlights and contrasts almost like digital art, it really is fascinating the use of white outlining. He also knows how to use space, see how the people dancing wrap around the bar. I also want to touch on the texture, or should I say smoothness of the painting. Many of the objects are well blended almost a gradient texture, some times this looks very real, see the yellow dress. But, other times this looks fake, see the front table. Maybe Motely's intention was to try and make the people the focus by giving them a 3D feel and flattening the background.
This piece is one of three in a set called the Mutiny on the Amistad, which brings to light the Mende slave revote. A 25-year-old enslaved Mendian led a successful revolt against a Spanish slave ship La Amistad. See after slavery was made illegal in the US, other countries still continued, even today slavery is a common practice in some parts of the world. Having art that shows how inhumane slavery is will always be necessary, even to serve as a reminder.
The most eye-catching aspect of the set is the color choice and placement. I appreciate how he put the red ship pillar against the blue/green sea, and placed a Spaniard wearing blue and yellow in front. He continues a theme of placing complementary or contrasting color pairings throughout the painting. The texture seems to shape the picture, giving it an almost hectic feel that reminds me of swirls which I can relate to the frantic feeling of a fight, see how almost every arm is bent at a 90 degree or 45 degree. Notice the green coming in from the left is mirrored diagonally by the ships sail. Then we have the stream of white machetes that is parallel with a stream of white clothing. These elements may be a way Woodruff was trying to communicate the intensity of the situation.
Overall, these paintings not only share a history but a culture, they tell how a people persevered through inhumane times, and then through social injustice. These deserve to be seen by everyone.
Hi Ava,
ReplyDeleteEach of the paintings you chose to share have great art elements, especially the different colors used and contrasts situated. My favorite is the oil painting Nightlife. There is so much vibrant colors portraited. I would have to agree with you, Motley does seem ahead of his time. I love the “classic” clothing. Much like nightclubs out of Alaska that have dress codes. Can see the men in suits and dress shoes, while the women have dresses and heels. Many of them with hats. I would love to get a copy of this painting and put it in my bedroom! Thank you for sharing!