How to measure the United States in the 20th century without Langston Hughes, Zora Neale Hurston, Louis Armstrong, and Duke Ellington? You wouldn't even imagine it. The writers, poets, singers, and musicians of the movement known as the Harlem Renaissance, centered in the New York neighborhood from 1919 to the late 1930s, hold a prominent place in the American cultural imagination. The period was when "Harlem became the symbol of the international black city," as novelist Ishmael Reed described it.
But what about the painters Laura Wheeler Waring, Charles Henry Alston, and Malvin Gray Johnson? Or the sculptor Richmond Barthé? Barely known names. And while other visual artists, such as Aaron Douglas, Jacob Lawrence, and Augusta Savage, have long been celebrated, their contributions have too often been treated as something separate from the rest of European and American modernism until recently.
A new and ambitious exhibition, "The Harlem Renaissance and Transatlantic Modernity," opening on February 25 at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, hopes to change our view of the era when Harlem, revitalized by the arrival of thousands of African Americans through the Great Migration, flourished as a creative capital.
The show will include a wide range of works, from paintings and sculptures to prints and photographs, all focused on the unique aesthetic and cultural perspective of the Harlem Renaissance. Less-known artists will be highlighted, such as Laura Wheeler Waring, whose portraits capture the beauty and dignity of black life, and Malvin Gray Johnson, whose works address social and political themes with an avant-garde aesthetic.
This exhibition aims not only to highlight the importance of the Harlem Renaissance in the history of American art but also to establish connections with transatlantic modernity. The artists of Harlem not only influenced the emergence of African American art but also were part of a global dialogue about identity, race, and culture.
By exploring the intersection between the Harlem Renaissance and transatlantic modernity, this exhibition will challenge traditional narratives and offer a more comprehensive and nuanced view of this crucial period in the cultural history of the United States. It is time to recognize and celebrate all the artists who contributed to Harlem's creative flourishing and its lasting impact on the global art landscape.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Harlem Renaissance and Transatlantic Modernity:
1. What was the Harlem Renaissance?
The Harlem Renaissance was a cultural movement that took place in Harlem, New York, from 1919 to the late 1930s. During this time, Harlem became a center of African American creativity and attracted prominent artists, writers, poets, musicians, and dancers.
2. What was the significance of the Harlem Renaissance?
The Harlem Renaissance was a crucial moment in the cultural history of the United States. It represented a time when African American culture was in full bloom and was recognized as a valuable part of American identity. It opened doors for African American art, literature, and music, and challenged the traditional narratives of the time.
3. Who were some of the prominent artists of the Harlem Renaissance?
Some prominent artists of the Harlem Renaissance include Langston Hughes and Zora Neale Hurston in the field of literature, and Louis Armstrong and Duke Ellington in the field of music. These artists helped define the era and became iconic figures of African American culture.
4. What does the exhibition "The Harlem Renaissance and Transatlantic Modernity" present at the Metropolitan Museum of Art?
The exhibition presents a wide range of artworks, including paintings, sculptures, prints, and photographs, that focus on the unique aesthetic and cultural perspective of the Harlem Renaissance. The show also highlights lesser-known artists, such as Laura Wheeler Waring and Malvin Gray Johnson, whose works capture the beauty and dignity of black life and address social and political themes in an avant-garde manner.
5. What is the goal of this exhibition?
The goal of this exhibition is to reevaluate and expand our understanding of the Harlem Renaissance, establishing connections with transatlantic modernity. It seeks to challenge traditional narratives and offer a more complete and nuanced view of this important period in the cultural history of the United States.
6. How can I learn more about the Harlem Renaissance and the exhibition "The Harlem Renaissance and Transatlantic Modernity"?
You can find more information about the Harlem Renaissance and the exhibition "The Harlem Renaissance and Transatlantic Modernity" by visiting the Metropolitan Museum of Art's website at www.metmuseum.org.