
Born: May 26, 1899 - Topeka, Kansas
Died: February 2, 1979 - Nashville, Tennessee

"We can go to African life and get a certain amount of form and color, understanding and using this knowledge in development of an expression that interprets our life."
Summary
In both his style and his subjects, Aaron Douglas revolutionized African-American art. A leader within the Harlem Renaissance, Douglas created a broad range of work that helped to shape this movement and bring it to national prominence. Through his collaborations, illustrations, and public murals, he established a method of combining elements of modern art and African culture to celebrate the African-American experience and call attention to racism and segregation.
Key Ideas

Aaron Douglas, the the father of black American art, told his wife in 1925 that through his work he would upend the notion that you have to be white to be truly beautiful. He said: “It takes lots of training or a tremendous effort to down the idea that thin lips and straight nose is the apogee of beauty.” His body of work went some way to realizing this aim and in 1963 president JFK welcomed him into the White House in honor of his achievements.
Influences and Connections


Artists
| Personal Contacts
| Movements
|

Influences on Artist


Artists
| Personal Contacts
| Movements
|

Content compiled and written by Alexandra Duncan
Edited and revised, with Synopsis and Key Ideas added by Sarah Archino
" Artist Overview and Analysis". [Internet]. . TheArtStory.org
Content compiled and written by Alexandra Duncan
Edited and revised, with Synopsis and Key Ideas added by Sarah Archino
Available from:
[Accessed ]