Spring Art Lit

Jacob Lawrence (1917-2000 )

Jacob Lawrence was an African-American painter known for his portrayal of African-American life. But not only was he a painter, storyteller, and interpreter; he also was an educator. Lawrence referred to his style as "dynamic cubism," though by his own account the primary influence was not so much French art as the shapes and colors of Harlem. He brought the African-American experience to life using blacks and browns juxtaposed with vivid colors. He also taught and spent 15 years as a professor at the University of Washington.

First the lesson, then the creative process.

Inspired by Jacob Lawrence's Panel #25 from The Migration Series.

"They left their homes. soon some communities were left almost empty.

Inspired by Jacob Lawrence's Panel #5 from The Migration Series.

"Migrants were advanced passage on the railroads, paid for by northern industry. Northern industry was to be repaid by the migrants out of their future wages."

Inspired by Jacob Lawrence's Panel #58 from The Migration Series.

"In the North the African American had more educational opportunities.