We will consider how the Harlem Renaissance coincided with the rise of jazz and the blues. New York City and Harlem in particular became the focal point of the meeting of art and music. In post-World War II America with the rise of abstract expressionism, some artists saw in the improvisational character of jazz a reflection of their own approach to artistic creativity. Among the artists we will discuss are Romare Bearden, Stuart Davis, Roy DeCarava, Aaron Douglas, Arthur Dove, Jacob Lawrence, Norman Lewis, Archibald Motley, Jackson Pollack, and Joseph Stella. All of these artists appropriated jazz and the blues as metaphors of the American urban experience and modern life.
Teaching is in the form of lectures illustrated with color slides.
Students will be required to write three short papers and one final longer paper on a topic of the student's choosing in consultation with the instructor. In addition, each student will lead at least one discussion based on assigned readings. The Honors Mascot will take you back to the Home Page.