In Ink there is Identity
History is often thought to be preserved only through writing, but it can also be preserved through the etched scratches inked in each canvas, for it is in these lines where thought is felt the most.
February marks the celebration of Black History Month, started by Carter G. Woodson, a Harvard-trained historian in the 1900’s — whose action led to the many Black themes discussed and explored throughout the years. “African Americans and the Arts” is the central theme for 2024, which highlights the impact of literature, cuisine, fashion, language, music, arts, and more on Black culture and history.
Aaron Douglas, considered to be “the father of Black American art”, was a painter whose works contributed significantly to the Harlem Renaissance, an artistic and cultural movement that was deeply engraved from Black culture which grew in New York’s Manhattan Harlem.
Literature, music, and the arts were used by prominent artists like Douglas to weave together Black culture and tradition with Black experiences all over the world. It is through these forms of expression where artists were able to discuss racial stereotypes, and explore their lives, more particularly in Harlem whose neighborhoods attracted an abundance of Black artists, writers, musicians, and many more.
Through meticulously made geometric shapes, he expresses his works through cubism and 2 — dimensional shapes — with a lot of these works using echo-like circles to emphasize the spotlight of each painting. His work, “From Slavery through Reconstruction” brings significant influence to the Harlem Renaissance through showing how black people have slowly been able to paint their own lives after the end of slavery. The “reconstruction” as seen in the right part of the artwork, references jazz music and the way life has finally evolved and has started to gain momentum.
Through the revival of African culture from artists like Douglas, many more painters, artists, and writers became inspired to write about their own experiences. The impact of Douglas’ works and murals runs throughout the entirety of the world, Harlem is just its birthplace.
The world is more than just continual and exhaustive jobs, art is just as necessary as the constant pursuit to continue life, because to become human one must experience and feel emotions, Douglas encapsulates human expression through his artworks. But most importantly, it contributes greatly to Black history, because in colors and ink, there is the ability to express and show one’s identity.
