Art of the Harlem Renaissance

Art of the Harlem Renaissance

(1918-1930)

Open Ended

Do Now: Read the following quote by author Zora Neale Hurston:

“I have the nerve to walk my own way, however hard, in my search for reality, rather than climb upon the rattling wagon of wishful illusions.”

― Zora Neale Hurston

What does this quote mean to you?

Week in Review!

• The Great Migration was the movement of Black Americans from the rural south to cities in the north and west.

• Black Americans sought educational, economic, and cultural opportunities.

• Neighborhood of Harlem developed as a symbol of Black culture. The Harlem Renaissance is an art movement celebrating Black culture and identity.

Open Ended

What do you see? What in this painting do you think is important?

Art of the Harlem Renaissance

The visual arts of the Harlem Renaissance celebrated Black beauty, culture, and identity.

Popular culture was dominated by caricatures of Black Americans and blackface minstrelsy shows. The movement of the Harlem Renaissance was meant to counteract these images. It combined elements of African Art with the lived experiences of Black Americans in the U.S.

Multiple Choice

Checking for Understanding: What was a main feature of Harlem Renaissance Art?

• It countered caricatures of Black Americans found in mainstream art to celebrate Black culture.

• It rejected influences from traditional African artists.

• It only featured Black artists who were formally trained in American colleges.

Primary Sources - Art of the Harlem Renaissance.

• Think about what you see/what is being shown.

• Think about what stands out as important.

• Think about the colors that are being used/how the colors makes you feel.

• Think about the context the art was created in.

The Janitor Who Paints by Palmer Hayden

Nightlife by Archibald Motley

Nightlife by Archibald Motley

I see . . . .

Because I see these things, it tells me that . . .  

One claim I can make about Harlem based on this painting is that . . . 

Art Class by William Johnson

Art Class by William Johnson

I see . . . .

Because I see these things, it tells me that . . .  

One claim I can make about Harlem based on this painting is that . . . 

Open Ended

Complete the sentence starters based on Art Class by William Johnson

I see . . . .

Because I see these things, it tells me that . . .

One claim I can make about Harlem based on this painting is that . . .

Poll

What was your favorite painting we saw today?

Open Ended

Exit Ticket: In your own words, how would you describe the art of the Harlem Renaissance? Which painting from today was your favorite? Explain why you choose this painting or why you think that it is important.