In a recent conversation with Derek Fordjour, he discusses his fascination with Harlem Renaissance art and its profound impact on his own work. Fordjour specifically highlights the contributions of artists like Archibald Motley Jr. and Richmond Barthé, as he believes their work is essential in shaping the conversation around figuration in art. He sees it as his duty to bring awareness to these marginalized artists and their rich legacy by incorporating their techniques and themes into his own paintings. Xaviera Simmons, another artist featured in the article, echoes Fordjour’s sentiment, recognizing the erasure of queer femmes from the history of the Harlem Renaissance. She challenges received histories by engaging with Jacob Lawrence’s “Migration Series” and shedding light on the co-authorship of his wife, Gwendolyn Knight. These artists’ reflections on the Harlem Renaissance showcase its enduring influence and the ongoing efforts to unearth overlooked narratives within this groundbreaking movement.
Derek Fordjour
Introduction to Derek Fordjour
Derek Fordjour, an artist known for his unique and vibrant paintings, draws inspiration from the Harlem Renaissance and its artists. His early exposure to the murals of Aaron Douglas at Fisk University and his art history classes at Morehouse College ignited his fascination with the contributions of the Harlem Renaissance artists to art history. Fordjour acknowledges the importance of this movement and strives to keep its legacy alive through his work.
Influence of Harlem Renaissance artists on Fordjour’s work
In his paintings, Fordjour pays homage to Harlem Renaissance artists such as Archibald Motley Jr. and Richmond Barthé. He often incorporates diverse materials, including acrylic, charcoal, pastel, foil, newspapers, and even glitter, in his artwork. Fordjour believes that it is impossible to discuss figuration without acknowledging the rich artistic development of Black artists during the Harlem Renaissance. He considers Motley Jr.’s jazz scenes and Barthé’s sculptures as significant influences on his crowd scene compositions and sculptural style. By referencing his predecessors, Fordjour aims to shed light on their overlooked contributions to art history.
Use of materials in Fordjour’s paintings
Fordjour’s choice of materials reflects his deep engagement with the Harlem Renaissance and its artists. By incorporating elements such as newspapers and glitter, he adds layers of meaning to his paintings. The use of newspapers, for example, not only references the era during which the Harlem Renaissance flourished but also emphasizes the importance of narratives and storytelling in African American culture. Through his materials, Fordjour not only pays tribute to the Harlem Renaissance but also creates a visual language that resonates with contemporary audiences.
Fordjour’s obligation to enlighten his audience
Fordjour sees it as his responsibility to enlighten his audience about the contributions of Harlem Renaissance artists. He believes that these artists were sidelined from the mainstream art historical narrative for many years, and it is his duty to bring their work to the forefront. Fordjour draws inspiration from his experiences in college classrooms, where he was introduced to the rich legacy of the Harlem Renaissance. Through his art, he aims to engage and educate his audience, ensuring that the impact and significance of this important cultural movement are not forgotten.
Xaviera Simmons
Introduction to Xaviera Simmons
Xaviera Simmons, an interdisciplinary artist, has been deeply influenced by the Harlem Renaissance throughout her artistic practice. She grew up with a strong awareness of the movement and its key figures. However, as she delved deeper into the history of the Harlem Renaissance, Simmons became acutely aware of the erasure of certain individuals, particularly queer femmes. This awareness drives her exploration of the movement and its legacy in her work.
Simmons’s awareness of erasure in the Harlem Renaissance
Simmons acknowledges the misogyny and oppression prevalent against women, particularly queer women, during the time of the Harlem Renaissance. She finds these issues problematic as she delves deeper into the movement’s history. Despite the significant contributions of women and queer femmes, their voices and experiences have often been marginalized or completely erased from the dominant narratives. Simmons’s awareness of this erasure fuels her dedication to highlighting the stories and perspectives of these often overlooked individuals.
Engagement with Jacob Lawrence’s ‘Migration Series’
One of the key ways Simmons engages with the legacy of the Harlem Renaissance is through her exploration of Jacob Lawrence’s renowned “Migration Series.” This series consists of 60 paintings that depict the mass movement of African Americans from the southern states to industrial cities in the north during the early 20th century. Of particular interest to Simmons is the fact that Lawrence’s wife, Gwendolyn Knight, co-wrote the labels accompanying each painting. This partnership between Lawrence and Knight challenges the received histories by highlighting the important role played by women in shaping and interpreting the narrative of the Great Migration.
Challenging received histories
Simmons actively challenges the dominant narratives of the Harlem Renaissance by amplifying the voices and experiences of marginalized individuals. Through her art, she seeks to correct the erasures and misrepresentations that have become ingrained in the historical accounts of the movement. By bringing attention to the achievements and struggles of queer femmes and other marginalized figures, Simmons aims to create a more inclusive and accurate understanding of the Harlem Renaissance and its legacy.
Archibald Motley Jr.
Introduction to Archibald Motley Jr.
Archibald Motley Jr. was a prominent African American artist during the Harlem Renaissance. Known for his vibrant paintings depicting scenes of African American life, Motley Jr. made significant contributions to art history. His unique style and celebration of Black culture have influenced countless artists, including Derek Fordjour.
Motley Jr.’s contributions to art history
Motley Jr.’s contributions to art history are significant and enduring. His use of color, composition, and subject matter challenged prevailing stereotypes and assumptions about African American life. Through his paintings, Motley Jr. captured the vibrancy, complexity, and diversity of Black experiences. His work played a crucial role in expanding the representation of Black people in art and helped pave the way for future generations of Black artists.
Motley Jr.’s influence on Fordjour’s crowd scenes
Fordjour acknowledges the influence of Motley Jr.’s jazz scenes on his own crowd scene compositions. By studying Motley Jr.’s work, Fordjour gained insights into the power of capturing the energy and dynamic atmosphere of social gatherings. Motley Jr.’s ability to depict the liveliness of jazz clubs and other social spaces through his paintings inspired Fordjour to explore similar themes in his own artwork. Through the legacy of Motley Jr., Fordjour continues to contribute to the rich tradition of crowd scenes in African American art.
Richmond Barthé
Introduction to Richmond Barthé
Richmond Barthé was a highly acclaimed African American sculptor known for his expressive and, at times, abstract sculptures. His work during the Harlem Renaissance was groundbreaking and continues to inspire artists today, including Derek Fordjour.
Barthé’s influence on Fordjour’s sculptures
Barthé’s innovative approach to sculpture and his exploration of form deeply impacted Fordjour’s artistic practice. Fordjour sees the “bones” of Barthé’s sculptures in his own three-dimensional work. Barthé’s ability to evoke emotion through his sculptural figures and his keen attention to detail have left a lasting impression on Fordjour. By drawing inspiration from Barthé, Fordjour pays homage to the legacy of the Harlem Renaissance and contributes to the ongoing dialogue in the realm of sculptural art.
Aaron Douglas
Introduction to Aaron Douglas
Aaron Douglas was a renowned African American artist and one of the key figures of the Harlem Renaissance. He is best known for his murals at Fisk University, which depict the struggles and triumphs of Black people. Douglas’s murals hold a special place in the heart of Derek Fordjour and have significantly influenced his artistic journey.
Douglas’s murals at Fisk University and their impact on Fordjour
Fordjour’s exposure to Douglas’s murals at Fisk University left a lasting impression on him. The power and beauty of Douglas’s visual storytelling deeply impacted Fordjour’s understanding of the potential of art to convey meaningful narratives. The murals at Fisk University, with their themes of resilience and agency, continue to inspire Fordjour in his own exploration of the African American experience. By drawing from the legacy of Douglas, Fordjour channels the spirit of the Harlem Renaissance in his own artistic endeavors.
Misogyny and Oppression in the Harlem Renaissance
The problematic treatment of women and queer femmes in the Harlem Renaissance
While the Harlem Renaissance is celebrated as a time of cultural and artistic flourishing, it is essential to acknowledge the problematic treatment of women and queer femmes within the movement. Despite their contributions and talents, these individuals faced misogyny and oppression, causing their voices and stories to be marginalized or erased. Recognizing this history is crucial in understanding the complexities and challenges faced by marginalized groups during this period.
Simmons’s exploration of these issues in her work
Xaviera Simmons, in her artistic practice, delves into the issues of misogyny and oppression that were prevalent in the Harlem Renaissance. She brings attention to the experiences and struggles faced by queer femmes and aims to challenge the historical narratives that have overlooked their contributions. Through her work, Simmons sheds light on the systemic barriers and erasures faced by marginalized individuals, urging audiences to critically examine and question the historical legacies of the Harlem Renaissance.
Queer Women in the Harlem Renaissance
The erasure of queer women from the history of the Harlem Renaissance
The history of the Harlem Renaissance often neglects the contributions and experiences of queer women. Despite the vibrant and diverse artistic and cultural scene that emerged during this period, queer women’s stories and identities have often been omitted from the mainstream narrative. This erasure perpetuates a limited understanding of the movement and fails to acknowledge the intersectionality and complexities of the Harlem Renaissance.
Simmons’s focus on highlighting the contributions of queer femmes
Xaviera Simmons actively centers the experiences of queer femmes in her art, challenging the erasure they have faced in the historical record. Through her work, she celebrates the contributions of queer women during the Harlem Renaissance and endeavors to create a more inclusive narrative. Simmons’s commitment to highlighting the often overlooked voices and experiences of queer femmes makes a significant contribution to the ongoing dialogue surrounding the Harlem Renaissance.
Jacob Lawrence and Gwendolyn Knight
Introduction to Jacob Lawrence and Gwendolyn Knight
Jacob Lawrence and Gwendolyn Knight were both influential artists during the Harlem Renaissance. Lawrence is best known for his iconic “Migration Series,” a collection of paintings depicting the mass movement of African Americans from the southern states to the northern cities. Knight, Lawrence’s wife, co-wrote the labels that accompany each painting in the series, making her an integral part of the project.
Simmons’s engagement with Lawrence’s ‘Migration Series’
Xaviera Simmons engages with Jacob Lawrence’s “Migration Series” to explore and challenge received histories. Lawrence’s powerful paintings depict the experiences of African Americans during the Great Migration, capturing the struggles, hopes, and aspirations of individuals seeking a better life. Simmons incorporates excerpts from the wall labels written by Gwendolyn Knight into her own artwork, emphasizing the collaborative nature of the series and highlighting Knight’s important role in shaping the narrative.
Knight’s co-authorship of the labels in the series
Gwendolyn Knight’s co-authorship of the labels in Jacob Lawrence’s “Migration Series” adds another layer of complexity to the narrative. By acknowledging Knight’s contributions, Simmons not only celebrates her role in shaping the series but also challenges the prevailing idea that artistic contributions are solely the result of individual genius. The collaboration between Lawrence and Knight underscores the necessity of recognizing and honoring the often overlooked contributions of women to the Harlem Renaissance and beyond.
The Legacy of the Harlem Renaissance
The enduring impact and influence of the Harlem Renaissance
The Harlem Renaissance continues to have a lasting impact on art, culture, and society. The vibrant artistic and intellectual movements that emerged during this period challenged conventions and created new possibilities for expression. The cultural and social legacies of the Harlem Renaissance have shaped subsequent generations of artists, thinkers, and activists, leaving an indelible mark on the cultural landscape.
Obligations to honor and continue that legacy
Derek Fordjour, Xaviera Simmons, and other contemporary artists feel a sense of obligation to honor and continue the legacy of the Harlem Renaissance. Through their art and creative practices, they strive to shed light on the contributions of marginalized individuals and to challenge the dominant narratives that have excluded certain voices. By acknowledging the enduring impact of the Harlem Renaissance, artists today ensure its continued relevance and recognition.
Challenging Received Histories
Reconsidering and questioning the dominant narratives of the Harlem Renaissance
The dominant narratives surrounding the Harlem Renaissance have often overlooked or marginalized certain individuals and their contributions. Contemporary artists like Derek Fordjour and Xaviera Simmons actively question and challenge these received histories. Through their artwork, they offer new perspectives, challenge existing biases, and provide a more inclusive understanding of the complex and diverse experiences within the Harlem Renaissance.
Artists’ responsibility to challenge and correct erasures and misrepresentations
As artists, Fordjour, Simmons, and their contemporaries feel a responsibility to challenge and correct the erasures and misrepresentations that have persisted in historical accounts. By highlighting previously marginalized voices and narratives, they contribute to a more accurate and nuanced understanding of the Harlem Renaissance and its legacy. Through their creative practices, these artists actively engage with history, advocating for a more inclusive and comprehensive portrayal of the movement and its participants.
