Perceiving and Critiquing
TaisJa Bankston
Intro to Fine Arts
The Harlem Renaissance was a cultural movement during the 1920’2 that gave way to many beautiful works. African Americans showcased their many talents and gave pride to a culture that is very diverse. The Harlem Renaissance was started in Harlem which is how the era got its name. Although this movement only lasted approximately a decade, the visions and works still live on today.
Charles Alston was born November 28, 1907 in Charlotte, North Carolina. His life ended April 27, 1977 but not before he became an accomplished painter, sculptor, artist, muralist, and teacher. The theme for his works revolved around African American History, urban and rural life, and personal and family experiences. Alston graduated from Columbia University with a master’s degree in 1931. He also mentored the youth of the city and gave them the same focus on using experimentation that he used in his creations. (thefamouspeople.com)
The artwork Family No. 1 by Alston was created in 1955. The artwork has the style of cubism, which is where shapes are more important than details. ("Art masterpiece: Family," ) When viewing this artwork the reaction was that this is a very close family. The woman in the picture shows strength and patience. The children and the man give the impression that this woman is the rock of the family and they look to her for guidance and support. This is especially true for the little girl in the picture because she is turned towards her mother. The faces show pain and struggle, as if they are tired and worn out form life. At the same time the faces also show strength and the will to keep pushing forward. The artwork does not need any changes at all, it is perfect. Alston did great justice to this piece and depicted this family in a great way. The meaning of this artwork would be that the matriarch of the family passes her strength and courage not only to the children but also to her husband.
William H. Johnston was born in 1901 in Florence, South Carolina and later died in 1970 in Central Islip, New York. HE produced hundreds of works in his career that spanned several continents. He attended the National Academy of Design and excelled in his studies there. He learned the teachings of modernism in France in the late 1920’s. His lived in Scandinavia in the 1930’s where he developed interest in primitivism and folk art. After his death in 1970 all
