He is sometimes referred to as “the father of Black American art.” Douglas developed an interest in art early on, finding some of his inspiration from his mother’s love for painting watercolors . ... There, he pursued his passion for creating art, earning a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in 1922.
When did Aaron Douglas move to Nashville?
Murals depicting African American history
He and Alta moved to Nashville for the summer of 1930 and, working with several assistants, Douglas spent the next few months creating a series of murals for Fisk’s new library.
Why did Aaron Douglas move to Harlem?
Intending to pursue an art career ultimately in Paris, he moved to Harlem in June 1925. He soon won a two year scholarship to study with German illustrator Winold Reiss, who encouraged Douglas to look to his African ancestry for artistic inspiration .
Did Aaron Douglas get married?
On June 18, 1926, Douglas married Alta Sawyer , a teacher. The two had met in 1917, however Sawyer had married another man immediately after graduating from high school.
Where did Aaron Douglas live?
Aaron Douglas, (born May 26, 1899, Topeka, Kansas, U.S. —died February 2, 1979, Nashville, Tennessee), American painter and graphic artist who played a leading role in the Harlem Renaissance of the 1920s.
What does Aaron Douglas paintings mean?
In both his style and his subjects, Aaron Douglas revolutionized African-American art . ... Through his collaborations, illustrations, and public murals, he established a method of combining elements of modern art and African culture to celebrate the African-American experience and call attention to racism and segregation.
What is Aaron Douglas legacy?
Legacy. Aaron Douglas pioneered the African-American modernist movement by combining aesthetic with ancient African traditional art . He set the stage for future African-American artists to utilize elements of African and African-American history alongside racial themes present in society.
What is the significance of the red star often found in Aaron Douglas’s paintings?
Driskell at Fisk University’s Fine Arts Festival, Douglas revealed that he actually meant it to represent the “the red star of Russia,” referencing the belief among some Harlem intellectuals that true equality might be reached through the “alternative policies of communism and socialism .” The way that the star’s light ...
What was one goal of New Negro Movement?
What was the goal of the New Negro Movement? It encouraged African-Americans to become politically active and racially conscious .
In what period was art deco in its heyday?
If you’ve ever gazed upon the New York City skyline—whether IRL or not—and admired the Chrysler Building in particular, you may be a fan of Art Deco design. Ornate but not whimsical, opulent yet practical, this style was born during the 1920s and was in vogue until around 1940.
What did James VanDerZee’s work capture?
James VanDerZee was an African American photographer during the Harlem Renaissance who was best known for his pictures that captured the lives of African Americans in New York City, New York.
What purpose do circles serve in the murals?
What purpose do circles serve in the murals? He created emotional impact with subtle gradations of color, often using concentric circles to influence the viewer to focus on a specific part of the painting .
Why was Aaron Douglas the father of African American art?
Aaron Douglas was the most prominent artist-illustrator of the Harlem Renaissance , a movement of the 1920s during which African Americans developed a unique artistic style. He has been dubbed “father of African-American art.” ... Intending to pursue an art career ultimately in Paris, he moved to Harlem in June 1925.
