Echoes of Harlem: The Graphic Work of Aaron Douglas

March 10 - November 07,2020

An exhibition featuring the work of Aaron Douglas. View the work online here. From the MFAH: "Aaron Douglas (1899–1979) was a graphic artist, painter, and teacher who began his artistic career during the period recognized today as the Harlem Renaissance. He came to Harlem in 1925, inspired by the writings of African American philosopher Alain Locke, who called for a New Negro renaissance in black art and literature that would contribute toward racial equality in America. Douglas’s work appeared in major publications, from black journals like The Crisis and Opportunity, to books published by Alfred A. Knopf and Harper & Brothers. The covers and texts of noted Harlem Renaissance writers—including Langston Hughes, James Weldon Johnson, and Claude McKay—also featured Douglas’s illustrations. In his graphic work for these publications, Douglas developed a visual language inspired by African art, Art Deco design, and black vernacular music, such as jazz and the blues. Through this synthesis, Douglas created an unparalleled black artistic expression that was distinctly modern."

Museum of Fine Arts, Houston - MFAH 1001 Bissonnet Street
Houston, TX 77005
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