| If you are fortunate to have opportunity, it is your duty to make sure other people have those opportunities as well. ~ Kamala Harris  |
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I wrote about Augusta Savage, whom I believe was responsible for the multicultural art world we live in today, and paved the way for artists like Mickalene Thomas and Kara Walker. To close the month, I want to introduce you to Mailou Jones, another Harlem Renaissance artist. As with Augusta, I won’t give you information you can read from the links down below. I will, however, share her story and how it impacts our lives in these modern times.
I am inspired by Mailou Jones because our lives are very similar, yet very different. She grew up loving art and her parents encouraged her to express her creativity. She remained passionate and further developed her talent. I've mentioned before how fortunate I am to have been raised by supportive people and given opportunities and experiences that would otherwise have been fantasy for me. She was also fortunate to have supportive people in her life, and was able to attend high school.
According to her interview, she was also able to earn many scholarships that allowed her to pursue higher education, and even travel abroad. Even though she was well-received and able to accomplish so many of her goals, she was limited. Her talent could only take her so far in a world where she was deemed inherently less-than. She said, “this country wasn't interested in exhibiting our work or allowing us any of the opportunities that the white artists enjoyed. I made up my mind at that moment that I would go to Paris.” (Rowell)
I’m currently studying French, and her stay in France was brought forth by the “egalitaire” (not so racist) culture. I’ve read many biographies of other black artists (including Augusta Savage) and many of them wind up in Paris. I want to experience for myself the difference between modern-day French and American culture. Even though she didn’t speak the language, her translator (and friend) did her best to make that year magical. She met other famous artists and worked on a variety of projects. Living la belle vie indeed.
Life is full of many struggles, but she chose to look past them and focus on what she could do and how she could do it to reach her goals. I’d call her an optimist. Besides her life-story and vibrant personality, her artwork is a treasure itself. While in France she focused on capturing the natural beauty of the vineyards, but later on decided to change her style. Haitian and African culture were heavy influences on her later work. You may recognize her painting Les Fetiches of African masks. It’s my personal favorite.
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It's 2019, which means it's been 99 years since the start of the Harlem Renaissance! How much has changed since then? It's all thanks to our brave predecessors who have paved the way with their own two feet for the rest of us. Despite the racism, despite the segregation, despite being the children of slaves, women like Lois and men like Garrett came out on top. We have opportunities and privileges that were not available even 20 years ago, but we also have many issues we have to face and overcome to continue progressing as people of this country. Let's make them proud.
I wish I could have a little gallery of all of her paintings, but I can’t. That would be copyright infringement. So, make sure to click on the links down below for more info on our amazing Black woman of the week! And don't forget to leave a comment down below.
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