Romare

Bearden

Biography

• Born in Charlotte NC in 1911, grew up in Harlem in New York.

• Graduated from NYE with degree in education, took many art courses.

• Interests include music, performing arts, history, literature, and global art.

Bearden grew up during the Harlem Renaissance

Harlem Renaissance- a cultural movement in 1920s America during which black art, literature, and music experienced renewal and growth, originating in New York City's Harlem district

A revival of ART, MUSIC, and LITERATURE

Romare Bearden worked as a social worker for NYC Social Services from the 1930’s -1960’s. He created his art at night and on the weekends.

Southern Recall

1965

Collage of paper with ink and graphite on

cardboard

Bearden experimented with different mediums but was famous for his richly textured collages.

What’s involved in a collage?

Three Folk Singers

1967

How Texture used in this work?

How would this be different if it were painted? Drawn?

A member of the Harlem artists guild, Bearden participated in a lifetime study of art. He gathered inspiration form Giotto, Cezanne, Picasso, Matisse, African At, Byzantine Mosaics, Japanese prints and Chinese landscape paintings.

In what ways do you see this in his works? Is the inspiration obvious? Or hidden?

Romare was influenced by the Civil Rights movement of the 60’s and was an active spokesperson for artistic and social issues. He supported young emerging artists throughout his own career as an artist.

How does overlapping help create a sense of space?

Much of Bearden’s work from the mid 70’s to mid 80’s featured Jazz artists and singers as the subject matter, a popular pastime during the Harlem Renaissance.

How does Romare’s style of collage differ from collage we are more familiar with?

Faith Ringgold

1934-

Biography

• Used her artwork to speak about racism and gender inequality

• “The American People” artwork series focused on racial conflict and discrimination

The Flag is Bleeding. 1967

http://quietube5.com/v.php/http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9JU9A5ZA1VI

Elizabeth Catlett

1915-2012

Biography

• Created politically charged, black expressionistic sculptures

• Most of her work spanned across the 1960s through to the 1970s

Homage to My Young Sisters1968

Benon LutaayaUgandan Artist

Biography

• Born in 1985

• From Uganda, but resides in Johannesburg, South Africa

• Inspiration stems from autobiographical life experiences of homelessness, illness, child abuse, and fear

Living on Edge2009

Abandoned to their Fate2010

Ashamed to be Happy2010

Project Requirements

• Minimal use of image appropriation– Appropriate: to take without the consent of the

owner/creator for personal use

• Use of a theme to create a composition

• Application of elements and principles

• Strong portrayal of a social theme

Social Issues

• National security, immigration, drugs, domestic violence, poverty, hunger, war, peace, obesity, racism, education, unemployment, criminal justice, animal rights, cancer, civil rights, consumer debt, national debt, euthanasia, gangs, global warming, gun violence/control, homelessness, identity theft, social media, nuclear/chemical weapons, recycling, terrorism, waste disposal, women’s rights, wilderness protection, school violence, natural disasters