Experiencing the Harlem Renaissance Works and their political and social statements:
Objectives:
1. To see and appreciate a work of art and search for visual clues of political statements.
2. Learn to interpret and understand original works of art.
Materials:
Various reproductions of works of art done during and before the Harlem Renaissance
(teacher made slides), pencils, drawing paper, journals.
Preparation:
Teacher will prepare a copy of slides reflecting the works of artists during the Renaissance. Teacher will also schedule a museum visit, schedule transportation, and call the museum to find out about exhibits. Museum docent also needs to be requested.
Reproductions Used:
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"Rebirth", Aaron Douglas c. 1925. Ink and Graphite on woven paper. 12x9 Collection of Howard University.
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"The Janitor that Paints", Palmer Hayden 1937 Oil on Canvas.
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"Untitled" (Farm Couple at Work) William Henry Johnson, c. 1941 Oil on Plywood, 34x37 in. Collection of Tuskegee University.
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"Barbecue," Archibald Motley, Jr. 1937 Oil on canvas 39x44. Collection of Howard University Gallery of Art.
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"Disciples Healing the sick", Henry 0. Tanner, c. 1930 Oil on Board, 40x52in. Collection of Clark Atlanta University Art Gallery.
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"Les Demoiselles", Pablo Picasso. 1906-07. The Museum of Modern Art, New York.
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"Ethiopia Awakening", Meta Fuller, 1914. Bronze, 67x16x20. The Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture, The New York Library.
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"Jim ", Selma Burke, 1901. Plaster, 13'. The Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture, The New York Public Library.
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"Jockey Club", Archibald Motely, 1929. Oil on canvas, 24x32. The Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture, The New York Public Library.
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Questions for Students:
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1. What do you think about the paintings?
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2. What exactly do you see?
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3. What do you feel after observing these paintings?
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4. What do you think about these paintings and the artists who created them?
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5. What stories are being told in each of these paintings?
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6. What are the political and social statements being made in these paintings?
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7. How do you identify with these political statements and the themes that are represented in each of these paintings?
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8. Who have each of these artists directed their statements in the paintings to?
Instruction:
1. Students will find a painting in the art gallery that reminds them of any painting that was introduced to them from the list of teacher produced reproductions.
2. Students are given time during the museum visit to express their ideas and reactions to the painting that they have found in the gallery.
3. Students will be allowed to make a schematic sketch of the composition of any African American painting in the gallery. The students will indicate the following in their own drawings:
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a. Area of value-degrees of light and darks.
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b. Differences in paint applications- fine, smooth, or the use of brush, palette knife, etc.
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c. Colors that are used to promote a certain theme.
4. Students will use their notes and observations to design their own composition using any media that they desire.
Evaluation:
Students will be evaluated by their knowledge and understanding that is exhibited in their own composition.