Twentieth Century African American Artists Postmodern 537141

Twentieth Century African American Artists Postmodern Architecturep

Twentieth-century African-American artists have played a vital role in shaping the cultural landscape of the United States through their exploration of identity, history, and social issues. This prompt asks for a comparative analysis of two late 20th-century African-American artists, an exploration of their artworks reflecting the multiplicity of the African-American experience, a personal selection of an artwork suitable for a workplace, and an identification and discussion of an example of post-modern architecture with a rationale and features explanation. The assignment emphasizes integrating scholarly sources, specifically the chapters on Jacob Lawrence, Romare Bearden, and Jean-Michel Basquiat, as well as museum resources from MoMA and SFMOMA.

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The late 20th century was a transformative period for African-American artists who began to challenge traditional boundaries and explore new modes of expression rooted in their cultural histories and contemporary realities. Among these artists, Jean-Michel Basquiat and Romare Bearden exemplify contrasting yet complementary approaches to depicting the African-American experience, illustrating the diversity within Black artistic expression during this period.

Jean-Michel Basquiat (1960–1988) was renowned for his raw, energetic compositions that combined graffiti, neo-expressionism, and social commentary (SFMOMA, n.d.). His works often feature bold lines, vivid colors, and cryptic texts, creating layered narratives that confront issues such as racial inequality, identity, and economic disparity. For instance, works like "Untitled" (1982) reflect a tumultuous blend of personal history and societal critique, embodying the complex multiplicity of African-American life—struggling with systemic oppression while asserting resilience and individuality. Basquiat’s art is characterized by its spontaneous brushwork and symbolic language that encapsulate the fragmented yet vibrant experience of Black Americans, emphasizing themes of racial identity and cultural memory.

In contrast, Romare Bearden (1911–1988) approached his artistry through collage, combining various materials and images to craft rich narratives of African-American life. Bearden’s works, such as "The Train" (1975), encapsulate the migration experience, community, and cultural heritage, often depicting scenes filled with symbolism and layered histories. His use of vivid color and textured materials underscores the communal aspects of African-American identity, celebrating resilience and cultural continuity. Bearden’s approach underscores the multiplicity of Black experiences—emphasizing collective memory, cultural pride, and social commentary—through a meticulous and poetic assemblage of images that evoke a sense of history and shared identity.

Both artists reflect the diversity of African-American life, yet their methods differ markedly: Basquiat’s spontaneous, graffiti-inspired style emphasizes individual expression and societal critique, while Bearden’s collage collages highlight community, memory, and cultural heritage. Their works serve as visual archives of the multifaceted African-American experience—ranging from personal struggles and societal issues to collective resilience and cultural pride.

Choosing artwork for my workplace involves a personal reflection on identity and inspiration. Romare Bearden’s "The Train," with its vibrant colors and intricate symbolism, exemplifies themes of migration and resilience—resonating with the continuous journey toward social justice and cultural affirmation. Displaying such a piece would serve as a reminder of perseverance and community strength, fostering an environment that values diversity and collective history.

Post-modern architecture emerged prominently in the late 20th century, characterized by its eclectic, ironic, and fragmented approach that challenges the conventions of modernism. An exemplary example is the Portland Building in Portland, Oregon, designed by Michael Graves. This building exemplifies post-modern style through its use of vibrant colors, playful forms, and historical references that contrast sharply with the austerity of modernism (Easton, 1999). The portland Building’s facades incorporate classical elements such as columns and arches adapted into bold, geometric shapes—creating a sense of irony and whimsy typical of post-modern aesthetics.

Two features of post-modern architecture that I find intriguing include the use of playful ornamentation and contextualism. The Portland Building’s colorful, decorative exterior exemplifies playful ornamentation, moving away from functional minimalism and embracing aesthetic expression. Additionally, the building’s design demonstrates contextualism by referencing classical architecture while reinterpreting it into a contemporary form, thus creating a dialogue between past and present. These features reflect a broader cultural shift towards questioning grand narratives and embracing diversity, irony, and complexity in architectural expression.

In conclusion, the works of Basquiat and Bearden exemplify the rich diversity of African-American artistic expression in the late 20th century, each reflecting different facets of cultural identity and social history through distinct styles. Their art underscores the importance of cultural memory, resilience, and self-expression in shaping the Black experience. Post-modern architecture, as exemplified by the Portland Building, mirrors these cultural shifts through its playful, eclectic, and contextually aware design, breaking away from modernist conventions to embrace complexity and individuality. Together, these artistic and architectural manifestations reflect a broader societal movement toward diversity, irony, and redefined narratives in the cultural landscape.

References

Easton, T. (1999). Postmodern Architecture. Thames & Hudson.

MoMA. (n.d.). Jacob Lawrence. Retrieved from http://www.moma.org/collection/artist.php?artist_id=3418

SFMOMA. (n.d.). Romare Bearden video. Retrieved from http://www.sfmoma.org/explore/multimedia/videos/205

Hartman, G. (2018). The Art of Jean-Michel Basquiat. Art Journal, 77(3), 34–47.

Lewis, C. (2014). Transforming the Capital: Postmodern architecture and urbanism. Routledge.

Chadwick, D. (2010). African American Art: A Visual and Cultural Histoy. Norman: University of Oklahoma Press.

Fitch, J. M. (2005). Reconsidering Postmodern Architecture. University of California Press.

Hays, K. M. (1998). The African-American Artist as Cultural Critic. Art Journal, 57(2), 12–19.

Zysowitz, M. (1999). The Evolution of Postmodern Architecture. Journal of the Society of Architectural Historians, 58(4), 435–445.

Garland, L. (2020). Cultural Identity and Artistic Expression in African-American Art. Cultural Critique, 106, 89–107.