Description
Book Synopsis: In 1941, Jacob Lawrence, then just 23 years old, completed a series of 60 small tempera paintings with text captions about the Great Migration, the mass movement of black Americans from the rural South to the urban North that began in 1915–16. Within months of its making, the Migration Series was divided between The Museum of Modern Art (even-numbered panels) and the Phillips Memorial Gallery (odd-numbered panels). The work has since become a landmark in the history of African American art, a monument in the collections of both institutions and a crucial example of the way in which history painting was radically reimagined in the modern era. In 2015 and 2016, the panels will be reunited in exhibitions at The Museum of Modern Art (One-Way Ticket: Jacob Lawrence's Migration Series and Other Works) and at The Phillips Collection (Jacob Lawrence's Migration Series).
This catalogue grounds Lawrence's Migration Series in the cultural and political debates that shaped the young artist's work and highlights its continued resonance for artists and writers today. An essay by Leah Dickerman situates the series within contemporary discussions about black history and an artist's social responsibilities in the late 1930s and early 1940s. Elsa Smithgall traces the acquisition and exhibition history of the Migration Series. Short commentaries on each panel explore Lawrence's career and technique, and the social history of the Migration. The catalogue also debuts ten poems commissioned from acclaimed poets that respond to the Migration Series. Elizabeth Alexander, honored as the poet at President Obama's first inauguration, introduces the section.
Details
Discover the captivating story of Jacob Lawrence's iconic artwork, The Migration Series. This groundbreaking series of 60 tempera paintings chronicles the mass movement of African Americans from the rural South to the urban North during the early 20th century. With its thought-provoking text captions, Lawrence's work sheds light on the struggles, hopes, and triumphs of those who embarked on this historic journey. Don't miss the opportunity to delve into the rich cultural and political debates that influenced Lawrence's art and experience its enduring relevance for artists and writers today.
Immerse yourself in the powerful narrative of The Migration Series by exploring the pages of this exclusive catalogue. Written by acclaimed art historian Leah Dickerman, the essay provides a comprehensive analysis of how Lawrence's work was shaped by the social responsibilities and historical context of the late 1930s and early 1940s. Through Elsa Smithgall's meticulous research, you'll gain insights into the acquisition and exhibition history of the Migration Series, understanding the journey that these panels have undertaken to reach their current significance.
Experience Lawrence's masterful technique through the detailed commentaries on each panel. Uncover the artist's career trajectory and learn about the broader social and historical implications of the Great Migration. The catalogue invites you to step into the world of Lawrence's iconic series, deepening and expanding your understanding of this pivotal moment in African American art history.
To further elevate your exploration of The Migration Series, the catalogue includes an extraordinary addition of ten commissioned poems by celebrated poets. Elizabeth Alexander, renowned poet and the voice of President Obama's first inauguration, introduces this remarkable section. These poems offer a unique and evocative response to Lawrence's artwork, extending the conversation between visual art and the written word.
Don't miss the opportunity to join the reunion of The Migration Series panels in the upcoming exhibitions at The Museum of Modern Art and The Phillips Collection. Dive into the pages of this catalogue and unlock the historical and artistic significance of Lawrence's monumental work. Experience the power of visual storytelling and embark on an extraordinary journey through the pages of this exceptional catalogue.
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