Aaron Douglas: African American Modernist

Aaron Douglas, who combined angular Cubist rhythms and seductive Art Deco dynamism with traditional African and Black imagery, has long been known for his contributions to the Harlem Renaissance and American modernism in general. Now, his work is being highlighted in the first major illustrated study of his art in AARON DOUGLAS: AFRICAN AMERICAN MODERNIST (Yale University Press, in association with the Spence Museum of Art, $60). It is edited by Susan Earle, with contributions from a handful of leading experts and scholars. The handsome 272-page coffee table book presents more than 90 illustrations of Douglas' works and the commentary of leading critics and historians. The book focuses on the artist's career from the 1920s through the 1940s in relation to American modernism. Douglas was a native of Topeka, Kan.

Its contributors argue that Douglas' bold work opened doors for African-American artists in Harlem and beyond, and that it invited a dialogue with modernism that put African-American life, labor and freedom, along with African traditions and motifs, at its center, the publisher writes in the release. New information emerges from these pages, reflecting the rich interchange between the visual arts, music, dance, literature and politics that shaped Douglas' work and also defined the Harlem Renaissance, the publisher says.

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COPYRIGHT 2007 Johnson Publishing Co.
COPYRIGHT 2008 Gale, Cengage Learning