Aaron Douglas

"Idylls of the Deep South"

      Aaron Douglas was an artist during the Harlem Renaissance. He did many paintings and murrals on building walls, which is an example of all the themes of the Harlem Renaissance. His art could be interpreted in manys but was generally just bringing awareness to African-Americans and racism.

He moved to Harlem later in his life and was inspired by the whole feel and all the people there. In this piece, Douglas's colors represent both depressing and positive attributes about racism specifically in the south. The characters in the painting resemble Douglas's observation on African-American political and racial debates. After living in Harlem for a few years, he learned more about the political issues with African-Americans.

I like this piece because of how the light brings a upbeat tone and happy quality to the feel of the painting. I also like Douglas's view on Southern African-Americans and how he painted them in different ways, such as musicians, artists, farm workers and dancers.

http://www.driskellcenter.umd.edu/narratives/exhibition/sec2/doug_a_02.htm

http://www.kshs.org/kansapedia/aaron-douglas/12039

http://www.robinurton.com/history/Harlem.htm