MUSEUM MONDAYS - JACOB LAWRENCE

In 2014, I was asked to create a fine arts curriculum for a nonprofit which catered to underserved youth. It was an honor to be asked, but I was also immediately conflicted. While I have an extensive mental catalog of favorite fine artists, the Director of the program only wanted a twelve-week curriculum. This meant that I had to choose only twelve artists to delve into. There were some that I vacillated about for more time than perhaps necessary, but I knew from the start that Jacob Lawrence had to make the cut. Lawrence is considered to be one of the most important artists of the 20th century. His distinctive folk style colorfully depicts the story of the African-American experience with vibrancy and dignity. From painting heroes such as Harriet Tubman, to capturing the essence of the migration, and even just scenes from a barbershop, Lawrence paints these aspects of black culture in a style he created called dynamic cubism. This style is both vibrant and concise. Read more to see more of Lawrence's paintings.

The Artist, Jacob Lawrence, pictured with one of his pieces. More of his paintings are featured below.

The Metropolitan Museum of Art currently is currently exhibiting a series of Jacob Lawrence's work entitled Struggle: From The History Of The American People that runs until November 1st. And on Tuesday, October 27th, they will present an online concert inspired by the exhibit, that features countertenor John Holiday performing operatic selections as well as songs by African-American composers. You can find out more about it here. I'll be listening in and am really excited about it. Hope to "see" you there!