Harlem Renaissance societal stories

1. REGIONALISM
The Harlem Renaissance
Aaron Douglas
Jacob Lawrence
James Van Der Zee
The northeast section of Manhattan island
was home to many African Americans.
During the decade of the 1920's witnesses a
huge explosion of African Americans artists
of all types from this area of the city- music,
literature and visual art.
Harlem Renaissance

2. REGIONALISM
Jacob Lawrence
(1917-2000)
One of the most famous
African-American artists of
the 20th
Century
Known for ‘Great Migration’
series as part of the Harlem
Renaissance
Flat overlapped shapes
indicative of Matisse
Jacob Lawrence, 1941.
Jacob Lawrence

3. REGIONALISM
"Around the time of WWI, many African-Americans from the South left home and
traveled to cities in the North in search of a better life.“
Jacob Lawrence, The Great Migration, Part I, 1940-41.
Jacob Lawrence

4. REGIONALISM
Aaron Douglas
1898-1979
He illustrated books, painted
canvases and murals, and tried to
start a new magazine showcasing
the work of younger artists and
writers.

5. REGIONALISM
Aaron Douglas
(1898-1979)
Native of Topeka,
Kansas – moved to New
York City in 1925
Developed an abstract
style influenced by
African art as well as the
emerging Art Deco
Aaron Douglas, Into Bondage, 1936.
Aesthetics: Flat, solid shapes;
Transparent; Atmospheric
perspective (dark in
foreground)
Aaron Douglas

6. REGIONALISM
James Van Der Zee
1886-1993
Prominent photographer of the
Harlem Renaissance.
Wanted to show African
Americans for how they really
WERE, not how white America
saw them.

7. REGIONALISM
James Van Der Zee, Couple Wearing Raccoon Coats with a Cadillac, 1932.
James Van Der Zee
What story is this photograph telling?

8. REGIONALISM
James Van Der Zee, The Wedding Party, 1926.
James Van Der Zee
What can you tell about the people in this photograph?