Shown is a 1934 oil painting by Aaron Douglas titled “From Slavery Through Reconstruction.” Image provided.

By Darla McCammon
and DeeAnna Muraski
Guest Columnists

WARSAW — We return to our series on American art and the cultural history that influenced it. This week’s artist had a significant impact on that influence.

Aaron Douglas was born in 1899 in Topeka, Kan. His family encouraged his art leanings. His mother also enjoyed painting, and his family eagerly helped him as he paid his way through college to further his studies. He graduated in 1922 with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from the University of Nebraska. Douglas began teaching art shortly after graduation; however, he felt a desire to expand his internal canvas by traveling far to the east.

At this point we need to digress. One of the many beautiful traits about art is that it is blind. That feels like an oxymoron: blind art. We individually appreciate art based on our own interests, background, personal tastes and heritage. However, we generally do not know much about the sculptor, painter or photographer unless we investigate. Even then, it is usually just a name. We do not know if the creator is male, female, adult, child, senior citizen, Japanese, Korean, African-American or Caucasian. And we really do not care because what we like is what we like and the way it makes us feel: joyful, somber or reflective.

So back to Douglas’ art. Generally, we do not need to mention the sex or ethnicity of an artist. But we will in this case. The fact that Douglas is African-American is significant and mentionable because he is credited with being one of the main creators of a Harlem Renaissance in art. He wanted to combine realism, reflecting African-American daily lives, with an emerging art deco influence. Douglas could tell the story on his canvas because he lived and experienced it.

Initially, Douglas struggled upon moving across the U.S. to New York and took odd jobs to support himself. His artistic talent was quickly realized, and several benefactors materialized. As the Harlem Renaissance was beginning to build traction, the U.S. got hit another cultural blow in 1929 with the stock market crash. The consequential Great Depression, which caused years of calamity due to economic deprivation, also caused a grand financial leveling.

Douglas’ art sought to depict this internal struggle of America and the African-American, some of whom had finally reached a financial pinnacle only to have it decimated. Douglas was able to influence many through his art and teaching full time in 1940 at Fisk University where he eventually received an honorary doctorate in 1973. Douglas’ art is a significant part of our culture for his unique technique and symbolism he shared through his story telling.

An early illustration by Aaron Douglas is shown. Image provided.

Events

Warsaw City Hall: New local artist Ryan George. The City Hall is located at 102 S. Buffalo St. in downtown Warsaw. The exhibits are on the first floor, and the building is handicapped-accessible. The office is open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Indianapolis Museum of Art at Newfields: The Lume features “Dali Alive.” These immersive art experiences are floor-to-ceiling, digitally reimagined paintings. Between the two Lume exhibit halls is a café that will be featuring Spanish-influenced cocktails, coffees and pastries during the “Dali Alive” exhibit.

Darla McCammon is an artist, columnist and author. DeeAnna Muraski is executive director of Operation Read USA Inc. Send an email to the mother/daughter team at either [email protected] or [email protected].