Lecture Notes: The Impact of the Harmon Foundation on African American Art
Introduction
Funding from the New Jersey State Council on the Arts and the New Jersey Committee for the Humanities.
Recognition of promising young artists from Harlem through the William E. Harmon Foundation annual awards.
The Role of the Harmon Foundation
Established to support African American artists during a segregated society (1920s-30s).
Provided exhibitions, prizes, and scholarships, serving as the primary opportunity for black artists to showcase their work.
The foundation was dissolved in 1967, leading to the neglect of many artists it had supported.
Historical Context and Challenges for Black Artists
Segregation limited opportunities for African Americans in education and the art world.
Black artists often excluded from museums and galleries.
The foundation became a significant platform for recognition and advancement.
The Rediscovery of Harmon Foundation Artists
Newark Museum's exhibition of over 130 works, showcasing the artistic contributions of African Americans.
Importance of detective research to locate and celebrate these forgotten artists.
Art from the 1920s and 30s reflected complex themes of black life against a backdrop of racial oppression.
Contrasting Artistic Perspectives and Stereotypes
Black artists explored multifaceted identities, countering negative stereotypes.
Discussion of D.W. Griffith's The Birth of a Nation and its impact on racial perceptions in America.
Scientific racism of the era contributed to negative portrayals of African Americans.
The Great Migration
Over a million southern blacks moved north for better opportunities (1900-1918).
World War I created job openings in northern factories, enabling African American labor participation.
Post-war, black soldiers returned with heightened expectations for civil rights.
The Harlem Renaissance
A cultural movement to redefine the African American identity through art and literature.
Initiated by W.E.B. Du Bois and the NAACP, promoting the New Negro Movement.
Artists encouraged to express their voices without fear or shame, leading to a rich artistic output.
Artistic Transformations and Influences
The Harlem Renaissance represented a shift in the representation of black life through various artistic mediums.
Artists like Alain Locke emphasized freedom of expression and the African heritage in art.
Critics noted a blending of African and European influences in the works of many artists.
Challenges of Commercialization and Identity
The Harmon Foundation aimed to assist artists in achieving financial independence through art sales.
Many black artists faced barriers to success, leading to reliance on teaching and other jobs.
The foundation's paternalistic approach raised questions about its impact on the artists' autonomy.
Notable Artists and Their Contributions
Palmer Hayden won the gold medal in 1926, showcasing a transition from janitorial work to successful artistry.
Hale Woodruff and others contributed significantly to the foundation's exhibitions and the broader art scene.
Artists like Augusta Savage faced struggles yet became pivotal figures within the community and movement.
The End of the Harlem Renaissance
The Wall Street Crash of 1929 and the Great Depression significantly impacted the Harlem community and artistic endeavors.
The riot of 1935 symbolized the decline of the Harlem Renaissance, but its cultural impact continues to resonate.
Conclusion
The Harmon Foundation and the Harlem Renaissance left a lasting legacy, reshaping perceptions of African American art.
The artists' contributions transcended their time, influencing future generations and fostering a broader appreciation for black creativity in America.