In this presentation you will learn about the artist Aaron Douglas and his artwork. This information ties in with Black History Month, and our current concept of turning stories with meaning into visual images and symbols. After learning about Aaron’s style and artwork, you will create an artwork in this style, conveying your own message through images and/or symbols.

AARON DOUGLAS Visual Artist of the Harlem Renaissance. Concept: Community

What is the HARLEM RENNAISSANCE? The Harlem Renaissance was the name given to the cultural, social, and artistic explosion that took place in Harlem between the end of World War I and the middle of the 1930s. During this period Harlem was a cultural center, drawing black writers, artists, musicians, photographers, poets, and scholars.

The Harlem Renaissance is different than the Medieval times or Middle Ages Renaissance. Middle Ages Renaissance Between 1300 and 1600 the Western world was transformed. An extraordinary wave of artistic and cultural innovation shattered medieval society and brought European culture reluctantly into the modern era. This was the Renaissance.

Another definition of the Renaissance during the Middle Ages. The Renaissance began after the plague in the 14th and 15th centuries and was fueled by soldiers returning from the Crusades. There was renewed interest in ancient Greek and Roman art. Human beings were included in artwork. Artwork was no longer just depictions of holy topics. There was new interest in science, the environment and philosophy.

Artist, Teacher, Scholar Douglas portrayed the black experience in Harlem, the Deep South and in Africa.

“Aspects of A Negro Life, Slavery Through Reconstruction,” Schomberg Center for Research in Black Culture.1934 What do you see?What do you hear?What do you feel?

Douglas was known for his Modernist style which often portrayed the African American contribution to the developing culture of America’s cities.

Silhouettes dominate many of his monochromatic paintings.

Aaron Douglas created Wood block prints- Distilling imagery into positive and negative space.

Douglas was inspired by the friendship and poetry of Langston Hughes.

Douglas collaborated with many important Harlem Renaissance writers. Flat, silhouetted figures combined with fractured space and a monochromatic palette became his signature style.

Students will: -create a book cover in the style of Aaron Douglas. Silhouette of main subjects should extend most of the visual space and express or communicate the meaning or story. Incorporate at least three symbols of story plot/and or setting. Explore cutting media and embellish with additional shapes.

Elements of art: Shape: strong angular Space: Positive/negative Color: Expressive monochromatic, contrast Principles of Design: Focal point or emphasis Movement- Diagonal, implied upward movement Photographic Design Concept: framing

Become the Hero or Heroine of your own Story! Choices: Think of a time in your life when you persevered or over came a challenge. Think of a problem you would like to overcome. Imagine yourself working towards social justice, either historical or contemporary.( what do you feel passionate about) Take time to visualize your actions, emotions and environment. If helpful do preliminary writing or thumbnail sketch of body gesture. Cut out silhouette and supporting elements. Arrange and glue down paying close attention to negative space. On the inside of book jacket write personal/artistic reflection.

Other Topic Ideas 1. An obstacle you overcame 2. Something you are proud of 3. Memorable time in your life