The Harlem Renaissance

Motley, Archibald. Holy Roller. 1929. Oil on canvas.

In 1918, many African Americans who resided in the South grew tired of the racial injustice and discrimination directed toward them. This led to a large population of Black Americans uprooting their lives and moving North for a new start. This event would later be called the Great Migration, with many African-American communities moving to Chicago, Detroit, and most prominently, Harlem, New York. Referred to as a haven by some initially, with so much joy and culture in one place, the Harlem Renaissance began in the 1920’s.

 A primarily literary movement centered around Harlem, many black artists captured daily life as well as racial issues. Unfortunately, despite this new sense of belonging, white people still held much authority over the Harlem community. Owning most of the businesses within the city, as well as the police force. Names like Langston Hughes and Claude McKay became well-known for their poetry and literary pieces. Often writing to undo negative or blatantly wrong misconceptions of African Americans. Langston Hughes (1901-1967), not isolated to him alone, would write pieces to let out their frustrations concerning racial prejudice. ‘Why’ was a question posed by prominent figures of this art period. 

 “ I do not hate you. For your face is a beautiful tool. I do not hate you.  Your faces are whirling lights and loveliness and splendor too. Yet why do you torture me? Oh white, strong ones. Why do you torture me?”- Langston Hughes

Furthermore, as I research further, I’m curious as to why the movement was mainly focused on literature. Fine art, theatre, photography, and other forms of media were used in the Renaissance. So how did literature become the main focus? Did it speak more to its audience than other forms of media?

I’m also curious as to what happened to the authors of the movement after it ended. I’ve read about James Van Der Zee, and how he had a hard time financially after the movement. Especially since photography was not as sought after afterwards. I will look more into this topic as I research more. 

Motley, Archibald. Self-portrait. 1920. Oil on canvas.

Despite the Harlem Renaissance focusing more on literature, fine artists were still heavily influential. Archibald Motley (1891-1981), produced 42 works during his career as an artist. He began developing his craft at the Art Institute of Chicago, remarkably becoming one of the first African-American students to attend the school. He primarily utilized oil on canvas throughout his works. Displaying versatility within his styles, “Self-Portrait” one of his earlier pieces, shows his masterful use of oil paints. As well as a more realistic style, one that he would use mainly for portraits. 

 

Motley, Archibald. Blues. 1929. Oil on canvas.

Meanwhile, he would have other pieces like “Blues,” that captured nightlife within the community. Using saturated colors to enhance the mood of the paintings, along with the gestural, semi-realistic figures. However, these scenes were often considered risque, but many still admired him for painting these scenes. That is how Motley became one of the most influential artists in the Harlem Renaissance. 

Van Der Zee, James. Studio Portrait of Young Man with Telephone. 1922. Photograph.

Historically, African Americans have been underrepresented in every which way. This can also be said for portraits; paintings and photography. This is why the Harlem Renaissance portrays African Americans and their lives. Rarely were black Americans ever represented properly. 

That’s why artists like James Van Der Zee(1886-1983) aimed to portray life in Harlem. During his life, Van Der Zee produced hundreds of photographs. Photographing important black figures within the community as well as everyday life for the black community. Unfortunately, James was not celebrated as much as he should’ve been. Falling on hard times once the Harlem Renaissance abruptly ended. 

Van Der Zee, James. Couple Harlem. 1932. Gelatin silver-toned print.

That being said, it’s clear understanding the political and social climate of the time is necessary when learning about the Harlem Renaissance. Of course, a lot of art throughout the centuries does typically revolve around the political climate. However, it is especially important to understand the climate of the Harlem Renaissance. The overwhelming sense of community sparked inspiration for artists to create scenes of daily life and nightlife. But the discrimination and social injustice continued within Harlem, Chicago, Detroit, and all throughout America. So, the issues faced by African Americans were still largely presented in their art.

However, in 1929 the Harlem Renaissance ended rather instantaneously. Harlems people were struggling financially and scrambling to find jobs to no avail. This all came to a head when the stock market crashed, fortunately, the Harlem Renaissance still held much importance to the black community and America as a whole. Being an outlet for writers, fine artists, and everyday people to discuss their daily lives and the social climate of the time.

“ It’s the duty of younger negro artists to change through the force of his art. That old whispering I want to be white. Hidden in the aspirations of his people too. Why should I want to be white? I’m a negro and beautiful.”- Langston Hughes