Looking Upward, James Lesene Wells, 1928, shows an African American dominating a city, representing black resilience and courage, National Gallery of Art.
ART
The visual and performing arts in Harlem served many purposes, especially encouraging African Americans to embrace their African heritage. Through fabulous depictions of grandeur and hope, these visual artists accentuated the beauty, talent, and richness of black culture.
"My belief is that it is most important for an artist to develop an approach and philosophy about life - if he has developed this philosophy, he does not put paint on canvas, he puts himself on canvas."
~ Jacob Lawrence
Blues, an oil painting by Archibald Motley, depiction of the rich nightlife of Harlem, with parties and jazz, Whitney Mueseum of American Art.
Harriet Tubman, Aaron Douglas, 1931, Read from left to right, beginning from slavery and chains, moving through abolition and emancipation, and ending with freedom and opportunities on the right. An inspiring painting in which Douglas offered a narrative where African Americans too could achieve the American Dream, Camden Civil Rights Project.
Music