Description:
(Painter)
Jacob Lawrence was an African-American painter, educator, and storyteller. Best remembered for his portrayal of African-American life, he is regarded as one of the most popular African-American painters of the 20th century. He also served as the professor of art at the prestigious University of Washington from 1971 until his retirement in 1986. The son of southern migrants, Lawrence moved with his mother to Harlem following his parents’ divorce when he was 13. He discovered his love of art while participating in community art workshops. After dropping out of school at the age of 16, he continued practicing art and attended Harlem Art Workshop where he got encouragement from Charles Alston. In 1938, Lawrence displayed his first solo exhibition at the Harlem YMCA. He earned national recognition when he was 23 with his ‘60-panel Migration Series’. During his later years, he contributed to a variety of media forms, including book illustrations, large-scale murals, and silkscreen prints. As of today, his works have been displayed in numerous museums, including Whitney Museum, Museum of Modern Art, and Philadelphia Museum of Art. On a personal note, Lawrence was married to painter Gwendolyn Knight until his death in 2000.
Birthday
September 7, 1917 (Virgo)
Born In
United States
Alternative names
Jacob Armstead Lawrence
City
Atlantic City, New Jersey
Died on
June 9, 2000
Spouse/Ex-
Gwendolyn Knight
What inspired Jacob Lawrence's art style?
Jacob Lawrence's art style was inspired by the Harlem neighborhood where he grew up, as well as by the history and struggles of African Americans.
How did Jacob Lawrence contribute to the Harlem Renaissance?
Jacob Lawrence was a prominent figure in the Harlem Renaissance, using his art to depict the experiences of African Americans and document their history.
What is the significance of Jacob Lawrence's "Migration Series?"
Jacob Lawrence's "Migration Series" is a landmark in American art history, capturing the mass movement of African Americans from the rural South to the urban North in the early 20th century.
How did Jacob Lawrence depict social issues in his artwork?
Jacob Lawrence used his art to address social issues such as racial segregation, poverty, and inequality, shedding light on the struggles faced by African Americans.
What techniques did Jacob Lawrence use in his paintings?
Jacob Lawrence was known for his use of bold colors, geometric shapes, and simplified forms to create powerful and evocative images in his paintings.
