Another artist that has informed my work is often referred to as the 'father of African American arts, Aaron Douglas. Though he fought against the label and refused to wear the crown, he nonetheless still bears the halo of respect which radiates for all to see.
Aaron Douglas (1899-1979)
I first encountered his art at a yard sale. A woodcut, Flight, from his 'Emperor Jones' series was used as a cover illustration for William Melvin Kelley's A Different Drummer (an awesome read - pick it up if you can). I purchased the book for a dollar solely for the cover illustration and after re-drawing, used it as the base image for my silk-screened piece, Plantation Yo-Yo (Run, Nigger, Run).
'Flight' 'Plantation Yo-Yo'
You can see the same image throughout my Plantation series. Intrigued by the stylistic shape, I checked out a book on the Harlem Renaissance and was blown away by Aaron's art. Though he painted in a variety of styles, it is the colorful multi-layered murals depicting various aspects of African American life intermingled with African and Egyptian motifs that have come to define his career. The large hulking figures and complex narratives presented in what appears to be a simplistic style draws you in and mesmerizes your senses. You literally cannot take your eyes off the pieces until you have explored them to their fullest. Here are some examples:
'Aspiration'
'Song of the Towers'
'Building More Stately Mansions'
Like many, I assumed that the work was simplistic based on the compositional elements. WRONG! I tried to paint one of his images on the wall of my den and after a week gave up in frustration. The layering combined with the top glazing (I assume that is what it is) he used baffled the hell out of me. Still can't figure out how the man did what he did! Nonetheless, I can;'t get enough of this man's work and can only hope that one day my art has the same visual and generational impact that his work has. I urge any and everyone to delve further into his art. Here is his bio from Wikipedia:
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