Early Modern Era

The Rise of African American Art in the Early Modern Era 

After the end of the Civil War, many things changed in the arts. There were so many political changes and growths at this time, one of which can be considered one of the most influential developments in art in the Early Modern Era. This of course is actually The Harlem Renaissance and the influence of the African-American culture along with the community during this time period. It turned out to be very influential. African American artists have used art to preserve community memory and history as well as empower so many cultural movements of the time like Harlem Renaissance, hip-hop, and Black Arts just to name a few.

History

This Artwork is by Henry O Tanner and he painted it with oil on canvas. It is called One really neat part, Tanner did was he actually mixed sand into his pigments to emulate the texture. The sand dunes are constructed with a bold sweep of windblown beach bordered by the sand dunes,  The landscape was the first painting created by an African American to be part of the permanent White House collection. 

Analysis

This painting's view is something you would see far away from beaches where people sit on the beach and there are crowds. To me, it's like someone is on a walk headed to the water's edge. He has painted some scrubby vegetation you see that grows in clumps of seagrass that you find on a beach. The sun tries to peak out with a rosy glow, and you can almost feel the wind on your face from this painting. If you have ever been to a beach on a windy day you know what I mean. Tanner's painting is strikingly original. It has a serenity like other landscape artists of the time have. Elements of composition and tonal expression, from the broad bands of shadow, the cupped landscape to the hazy moon can be found in this painting. 

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History

This artwork was painted with oil on canvas in 1934 by Aaron Douglas. It is titled From Slavery through Reconstruction. There are four paintings in this collection of murals, the collection is called Aspects of Negro Life. They are displayed at the New York Public Library. I think his paintings show a lot of the emotion going on through the African American community at the time. They show this desire to change how the African-American people's history was perceived by the public. And it is a powerful message.

Analysis

Douglas's style gives this wonderful layered look. Can this represent something? Maybe the layers of their past, or history? He uses many different symbols that are actually important to historical changes. One of my big questions is why he uses shadows, it gives me the impression that he is trying to represent many people in the community. They aren't grouped into one style or characteristic. There is both flatness and depth to it. The characters are silhouetted and layered on this vibrant background that is made of neat geometric looking shapes in earthy tones. It seems like there should be some movement in the painting. His style is abstract, showing the changes and progression that the people had toward freedom during those hard times. 

My thoughts

I have fallen in love with the artwork and styles that came out during the late 180''s and even into the early 1900's. This is when people really start to get a voice and speak out, express themselves, and really take charge of the times and they show this through their artwork. You can really tell what goes on during a period in history by looking at the artwork of that time. During the Early Modern Era, African Americans have a monumental impact on the visual arts being produced at that time. It was the first time in history and a start to the artistic world in which the African-American culture was actually the center of subject matter and they were being painted in a new light. Their culture was able to be expressed through artwork at the time in beautiful and unique ways. One beautiful thing I found was that I really enjoyed seeing how African-American art was finally able to be appreciated but also accepted. What a neat change in the American Art of the time to see. Depending on the artist you see different ways they were inspired, and the different perspectives they have of their period. Both of these paintings are beautiful and unique in their own ways. 

“Aspects of Negro Life: From Slavery to Reconstruction, 1934, by Aaron Douglas.” *Aspects of Negro Life: From Slavery to Reconstruction*, 1934, by Aaron Douglas. | DPLA, dp.la/primary-source-sets/social-realism/sources/676. Accessed 1 Apr. 2024.

“Sand Dunes at Sunset, Atlantic City by Henry Ossawa Tanner.” WHHA (En-US), www.whitehousehistory.org/photos/sand-dunes-at-sunset-atlantic-city-by-henry-ossawa-tanner#:~:text=Henry%20Ossawa%20Tanner-,Sand%20Dunes%20at%20Sunset%2C%20Atlantic%20City%20by%20Henry%20Ossawa%20Tanner,the%20character%20of%20its%20artist. Accessed 1 Apr. 2024.