Aaron Douglas: Art, Race, and the Harlem Renaissance

by Amy Kirschke

Aaron Douglas (1899-1979) is the leading visual artist of the Harlem Renaissance, the first African-American to explore modernism and to reflect African art in his paintings, murals, and illustrations. His work is a vivid record both of his achievement and of the distinctive imprint of the Harlem Renaissance upon American culture. This exploration of Douglas's life and career is filled with reproductions of his art. From previously unavailable source materials, including letters to his wife, Amy Kirschke traces the struggle of this fascinating artist to advance the Harlem Renaissance and to establish its particular imprint.

Genres: Nonfiction, Art

Paperback

First published June 1, 1995

Reviews

[Katie Shaffer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Incredibly helpful source with loads of carefully gathered and coherently arranged materials.

[Bennett · Rating 3 out of 5]

great overview of Aaron Douglas, his works, development, and contributions to the art world. I did have to read-through and translate certain elements. While the author was very clearly trying to be respectful, certain descriptions felt exterior and othering, rather than offering a truly humanizing and interior view.

Would definitely recommend this book for those with a background/contextual understanding of black intellectual movements in the United States, but not as an initial source.