
Harlem Renaissance Deja Vu Number 1 is a mixed media by Aberjhani which was uploaded on July 18th, 2018.
Harlem Renaissance Deja Vu Number 1

by Aberjhani
Title
Harlem Renaissance Deja Vu Number 1
Artist
Aberjhani
Medium
Mixed Media - Painting - Digital
Description
The Harlem Renaissance is celebrated around the world as one of the most important cultural and political periods in African-American and American history. Next year, 2019, celebrations will get underway to mark the 100th anniversary of the Renaissance.
You might say that I started my own celebration of the Harlem Renaissance Centennial with the publication of both Encyclopedia of the Harlem Renaissance (2003 and 2010), and The Wisdom of W.E.B. Du Bois (new eBook edition due out July 31, 2018) followed by launch of the 100th Anniversary of the HR Initiative in 2011. It was probably inevitable once I started producing images that I would tackle tributes in this medium as well. But my aim is not just to salute the past. It is to help safeguard an irreplaceable legacy by adding contributions which hopefully will inspire modern sensibilities to learn more about it and join in on celebrations of the centennial. So please: accept this as YOUR INVITATION.
Many tend to identify the highlight of the Harlem Renaissance as a period lasting from 1919-1929 with events centered primarily in Harlem, New York, USA. But when studying the continued productivity of artists and writers associated with the era, and looking at "spin-offs" that took place in different American cities, it becomes obvious that the 20s were only the beginning of a movement which adapted and evolved for at least two more decades.
The artists of the Harlem Renaissance were essential to American history because their works formed a significant psychological bridge which made it possible for African-Americans and Americans in general to make the difficult transition from the cultures of slavery, reconstruction, and neo-slavery to the progressive social actions of later decades.
Among the most celebrated of these artists were: Aaron Douglas, Lois Mailou Jones, Augusta Savage, Jacob Armstead Lawrence, Elizabeth Catlett, Romare Beardon, and numerous others. Their work, like that of literary counterparts such as Claude McKay and Dorothy West, often struck a fine balance between political propaganda and individual expression.
One of the most important gifts contributors to the Harlem Renaissance gave the world was an enduring strategy for refining the practice of democracy. They painted, sculpted, wrote, danced, sang, marched, taught, and kept striving at a time when Blacks were routinely lynched for not appearing subservient enough, or, for posing what was perceived of as an economic threat. Their everyday courage and commitment to creative civilized responses to sanctioned brutality was remarkable.
Aberjhani
Harlem Renaissance Centennial
Encyclopedia of the Harlem Renaissance
Black Lives Matter
©July 2018
Uploaded
July 18th, 2018
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Comments (33)

Aberjhani's Official Postered Chromatic Poetics
Thank you very much Dr. Stewart for checking out "Harlem Renaissance Deja Vu Number 1." I've been enjoying exploring the images in your collections as well.

Aberjhani's Official Postered Chromatic Poetics
You are totally welcome Issie. "Harlem Renaissance Deja Vu Number 1" actually inspired some of the details used for one of the pieces featured in the 2022 FLANNERY O'CONNOR REVIEW. That particular artpiece is titled "Portrait of the Artist as Free-Black Author Victor Sejour in 1850s Paris." Thanks for visiting & commenting. Looking forward to checking out more of your work.

Issie Alexander
Wonderful layered and creative tribute. Made me emotional also, after reading your description. We know it, we remember it - but sometimes we need to be reminded again. Thank you.

Aberjhani's Official Postered Chromatic Poetics
Appreciate that greatly Rainbow Artist Orlando L. The tribute aspect of this work was especially important to me since the Harlem Renaissance has had a major impact on my life and creative endeavors.

Rainbow Artist Orlando L
Absolutely a marvelous tribute and celebration art creation Aberjahni!! the picture within picture concept is brilliant and the outcome is awesome. it makes me feel i am traveling through different era of time and dimension. this art is simply fabulous!! L/F

Aberjhani's Official Postered Chromatic Poetics
Thank you very much Jose. This piece took some years to complete but finally got there.

Aberjhani's Official Postered Chromatic Poetics
I appreciate that very much Shoal. "Harlem Renaissance Deja Vu Number 1" has become particularly meaningful during these days of social upheaval.

Kathy Knopp
What a wonderful picture of this gentleman,,,It's just beautiful!
Aberjhani replied:
Thank you Kathy for checking out "Harlem Renaissance Deja Vu Number 1." Very glad you liked it.

Aberjhani's Official Postered Chromatic Poetics
Thank you very much to the buyer in Silver Spring, MD, who purchased the weekender tote bag of Harlem Renaissance Déjà Vu Number 1. I hope it brings you a lot of enjoyment for a very long time.

Geraldine Scull
Beautiful colors and frame in a frame ! love the creativity and uniqueness of this ! l/f
Aberjhani replied:
Greatly appreciate that Geraldine. This one was some years in the making so I'm grateful for how it turned out.

Debra Lynch
I just finished reading the Description and thank you for adding the information. You are an amazingly talented artist.
Aberjhani replied:
Thank you Debra for your very kind words. I am enjoying viewing and learning more about your work as well.