Augusta Savage, Gamin, 1929
The Metropolitan Museum's glorious survey of art and literature dedicated to the modern Black experience in America will close on Sunday, July 28th. This is a landmark exhibition for art history and museum history. Organized by the Met's Curator-at-Large for 19th and 20th Century Art Denise Morrell, best known for her outstanding exhibition Posing Modernity: The Black Model from Manet and Matisse to Today, at the Wallach Gallery on Columbia's Manhattanville Campus from October 24, 2018 to February 10, 2019, this opportunity to learn about and savor the artwork of the leading Black intellectuals in the US and Europe from c. 1910 -1940 stands out as a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Moreover, the range of works brought together within these galleries is breathtaking.
Aaron Douglas, The Creation, 1934
Being able to see numerous spiritual paintings by the celebrated muralist Aaron Douglas in one room felt extraordinary. This occasion may be the only time these works of art appear together, having been generously loaned by their respective owners. Please note that the exhibition is huge, so you may want to schedule two different visits before the exhibition closes.
Archibald John Motley, Jr., Blues, 1929
The New York Times published an excellent article by Veronica Chambers and Michelle May-Curry that claims the founding concept for this arts movement took place at a dinner party on March 21, 1924. Therefore, Harlem Renaissance and Transatlantic Modernism (c. 1918-1930), brilliantly celebrates the 100th Anniversary of this occasion.
For more information about the exhibition, visiting hours, etc., please visit the Metropolitan Museum's website.
For more information about the Harlem Renaissance, please click on the links provided in the blog post here and on Wikipedia: Harlem Renaissance..
Best wishes for the weekend,
Beth
Beth S. Gersh-Nesic, PhD
Director/Owner
