NYC News

Inside The Harlem Renaissance and Transatlantic Modernism, a Groundbreaking Exhibition at The Met
February 20, 2024, 6:21.07 pm ET

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James Van Der Zee, American, Lenox, Massachusetts 1886 – 1983 Washington, D.C., Couple, Harlem 1932, printed later, Gelatin silver print

Opening February 25th and running through July 28, 2024, The Harlem Renaissance and Transatlantic Modernism, explores everyday life in new Black cities that took shape from the 1920s to the 1950s. The story is told through more than 160 works and artifacts. Here is a small sampling of the works on display:

Winold Reiss, American (born Germany), Karlsruhe 1886–1953 New York, NY, Fred Fripp, Graduate of Penn School, Teacher, with Carol and Evelyn, 1927


Laura Wheeler Waring, American, Hartford, Connecticut1887–1948 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Girl in pink dress ca. 1927 Oil on canvas


Archibald J. Motley, Jr., American, New Orleans, Louisiana1891–1981Chicago, Illinois, Blues, 1929, Oil on canvas

“This landmark exhibition reframes the Harlem Renaissance, cementing its place as the first African American – led movement of international modern art,” said Max Hollein, The Met’s Marina Kellen French Director and CEO. “Through compelling portraits, vibrant city scenes, history paintings, depictions of early mass protests and activism,and dynamic portrayals of night life created by leading artists of the time, the exhibition boldly underscores the movement’s pivotal role in shaping the portrayal of the modern Black subject—and indeed the very fabric of early 20th-century modern art.”


Aaron Douglas, American, Topeka, Kansas 1899–1979 Nashville, Tennessee, Aspects of Negro Life: From Slavery through Reconstruction, 1934, Oil on canvas


Samuel Joseph Brown, Jr., American, Wilmington, North Carolina 1907–1994, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Self-Portrait, ca. 1941, Watercolor, charcoal, and graphite on paper


Laura Wheeler Waring, American, Hartford, Connecticut1887–1948 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Marian Anderson, 1944, Oil on canvas

The Harlem Renaissance and Transatlantic Modernism is one of the most comprehensive, exciting new exhibitions of our time and truly worthy of a visit.


James Van Der Zee, American, Lenox, Massachusetts 1886–1983 Washington, D.C.[Tea Time at Madam C. J. Walker's Beauty Salon], 1929, Gelatin silver print


Archibald J. Motley, Jr., American, New Orleans, Louisiana1891–1981Chicago, Illinois, Picnic, 1934, Oil on canvas

For more information about the exhibition, click here


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