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Romare Bearden

Background

• Premier American Artist: Considered one of the foremost American artists of the 20th century.

• Connection to Charles Allston: Step cousin of Charles Allston and shared a childhood in Charlotte, North Carolina.

• Family Moves to Harlem: Bearden's family relocated to Harlem in 1914, where high expectations were set due to both parents' college education. His mother was a prominent editor and the first African American school board member in NYC.

• Influential Circle: Grew up amidst influential artists, writers, and musicians, including visits from Duke Ellington and Langston Hughes.

Education

• Higher Education: Attended New York University (NYU) for science and education.

• Art Studies: Joined the Art Student League in New York for two years under George Grosz, influenced by modernism and Mexican muralists.

• Military Service: Joined the army during WWII and later studied philosophy in Paris at the Sorbonne using the GI Bill.

Early Works and Style Development

• Factory Workers (1942): Early work reflecting social realism, emphasizing labor and industrialization, though abstract in facial portrayal.

• Abstract Evolution: Mid-1940s works show increased abstraction; his pieces depict Christian themes using geometric shapes and colors, as seen in "Golgotha."

• Influence of Modernism: His abstract crucifixion styles show a significant departure from earlier works, contrasting with Aaron Douglas's more straightforward representations.

The Spiral Group

• Formation of Spiral (1963): Collaborated with Charles Alston and Hale Woodruff to support black artists focusing on social issues and civil rights through art.

• Artistic Cohesion Challenge: Original intent of a black and white exhibition didn't unify all members, but Bearden remained committed with his submission, "Conjure Woman."

Artistic Techniques

• Collage Innovation: Bearden revived the collage technique, integrating mixed media elements like magazine cutouts and African art. His collage work resonated with jazz improvisation themes.

• Themes in Collage: "The Prevalence of Ritual" series combines African heritage with modern American identity, showcasing cultural integration through symbolic imagery.

Themes and Motifs

• Symbolic Elements: Recurring symbols include trains and churches, representative of migration and community.

• Jazz Influence: His works often reflect his passion for jazz music, as seen in pieces addressing energetic urban life and spiritual themes.

Later Works and Impact

• "The Block" (1971): Six-panel collage presenting the vibrancy of Harlem life with diverse materials, focusing on community interactions and daily activities.

• Enduring Legacy: Recognized for his unique collage style that celebrates black culture amidst broader social critique, experiencing increased recognition during his later career.

Ueli Smith

Biographical Overview

• Early Life: Born in Florida, moved to Georgia and then Cleveland. His background included art classes supported by his mother.

• Education and Career: Graduated from the Art Institute in Cleveland, exacerbated by working in the WPA, and taught at various institutions.

• Personal Relationships: His career trajectory reflects significant personal challenges, including two divorces before remarrying in the late seventies.

Artistic Style

• Realism: Maintained a commitment to realism throughout his career, rejecting contemporary modernist trends.

• Themes of Loneliness: Smith's work often conveys a feeling of isolation and melancholy, depicting desolate landscapes and figures disconnected from their environment.

Notable Works and Subjects

• Storm Damage (1930s): A straightforward depiction reflecting WPA style.

• Desolate Landscapes (1940s): Convey isolation—images of lonely figures in deteriorating urban settings exemplify his unique perspective amidst the artistic trends of his time.

• Thematic Elements: Includes symbolism like ribbons associated with joy, appearing amidst themes of alienation and decay.

Critical Reception and Legacy

• Underappreciated Lifetime: Despite significant contributions to contemporary art, he faced challenges in gaining recognition; his first retrospective occurred much later in life.

• Evolution of Themes: As his work progressed, especially into the late seventies and eighties, themes shifted to a lighter atmosphere, while still critiquing societal issues.

• Cultural Commentary: While addressing themes relevant to African Americans, Smith's work provides a broader commentary on isolation in American society.