Artists: Aaron Douglas & Kerry James Marshall
Aaron Douglas
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Aaron's Work"Aaron Douglas's painting 'Aspirations' depicts an African American man reaching up towards the stars, symbolizing the dreams and ambitions of Black people. The painting is composed of geometric shapes and bold colors, creating a sense of dynamism and energy. Douglas's use of African imagery and stylized forms was influenced by his interest in African art and the Harlem Renaissance. Through his art, Douglas aimed to promote racial pride and empower Black people."
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Early Life of Aaron Douglas
Douglas grew up in a modest home with his parents and four siblings. His father worked as a baker, and his mother was a homemaker. Growing up in Topeka, Douglas faced racial discrimination and segregation, which deeply affected his worldview and later influenced his art. As a child, he showed an early interest in art, drawing and painting whenever he could. He attended Topeka High School, where he took art classes and participated in extracurricular activities. After graduating high school in 1917, he moved to Detroit, Michigan, to work in an automobile factory, and in his spare time, he attended classes at the Detroit Museum of Art and the Society of Arts and Crafts.
Kerry James Marshall
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Marshalls' WorkKerry James Marshall's work centers around the Black experience, specifically within the art world. His painting "Past Times" is a vibrant depiction of a family enjoying a day at the park, playing golf, and picnicking. The painting is notable for featuring Black figures enjoying leisure time and was sold for a record-breaking $21.1 million in 2018. Through his art, Marshall challenges the erasure of Black culture in traditional art history and reclaims a space for Black representation.
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Early Life
Kerry was raised in South Central Los Angeles. Growing up, he was encouraged by his parents and teachers to pursue his passion for art, which he did by attending the Otis College of Art and Design in Los Angeles. Throughout his career, Marshall has been committed to portraying black lives and experiences through his artwork and challenging the absence of black figures in Western art history. His works have been exhibited in museums and galleries around the world and are recognized for their bold use of color and intricate details.