A JOURNEY THROUGH AFRICAN AMERICAN ART

Elesha Ashford

VARNETTE P HONEYWOOD VS. LOIS MAILOU JONES

• The two artist I chose for my online presentation for African American Art were Varnette P. Honeywood and Loïs Mailou Jones. Varnette P. Honeywood, well-known international and national artist, who receives recognition for use of color, light, and patterns/textures. Loïs Mailou Jones is also a well-known artist/illustrator who chose to be remember as an artist. It was stated that she did want to be remembered as an African American or woman artist, but just an artist.

• The one thing these two artist have in common is that they were both African American women that participated in the Harlem Renaissance. That will most likely be the only thing these two women have in come. In my opinion they are total opposites. Honeywood’s artwork has so much color and pop to it that it can sometimes come off as a three- dimensional illustration. She created her work to gear towards the African American, but it was not portraying their struggles with racism. In fact it did the complete opposite. Honeywood’s paintings actually displayed changes amongst each other within the African American society.

• Jones, however, took a different route. Her artwork consisted of light brush strokes with the usage of soft colors. In her later years she had a few pieces of artwork that consisted of color, pattern and textures; however, she continued to stick to the style she knows best. While Honeywood painted the African American culture, Jones painted what she saw. Jones artwork is very subtle and translate her perception with nature.

THE ART OF VARNETTE P. HONEYWOOD

RAP STREET

• Year: 1979

• Rap Street. I am really surprised that this painting was made in 1979. You can see the switch between the generations of teenagers. Before the 70’s African American teens were more conservative and seemed to have more discipline. In this painting, these teens are smoking and less conservative. By looking at this painting you would’ve thought this was done in 2000’s because this is how today youth carry is themselves.

GOSSIP IN THE SANCTUARY

• Year: 1982

• Gossip In the Sanctuary. This piece is very typical reflection of what goes on in many African American churches now-a-days, I know from experience. It is clear they are bad mouthing the woman that just walked into the church. Most likely they are judging her because of her lifestyle or jealousy. The constant gossiping is the main reason why many people choose not to attend church. The main place that is suppose love and comfortability giving people judgement and hate.

HEARTS MAKES FRIENDSYEAR: 1986

Hearts Makes Friends. The detail in this painting is truly beautiful. I love how the artist displayed the different shades of black women, each with their own sense of style. One of them is studious, while the other is very big

in her religion. You can tell she has a religious background by how she is dressed. The last one is clearly into her African roots, due to how she is dressed and the way she styled her hair.

LIKE FATHER, LIKE SONYEAR: 1988

Like Father, Like Son is the reflection of many of our fathers we have today. In this painting I see a father training his children on how they should carry themselves as young men. The details from the painting are showing that the two children definitely respect the male figure in their life. This painting is a true inspiration of how men should be raising their sons. Steering them away from violence and drugs, by guiding them into the direction of pursuing an education, family, and happiness.

THE CAREGIVER

• Year: 1996

The Caregiver is the reflection of many of us in this day and age, myself included. We are constantly praying for others, giving them advice, or even giving them hospitality. In this piece, I see a woman who is constantly praying for those who are in need. But, who is praying for her in return? It seems to be the only strength that she needs is in her Bible and God.

THE NATURE OF LOÏS MAILOU JONES

PARIS ROOFTOPS, MONTMARTE

Year: 1965

I love looking out at the night sky, but to be looking at the night sky in Paris is just beautiful. There is one thing I wish she would’ve done in this painting and that would be painting the moon and stars. I

feel if she added more of the nighttime sky into this painting it would have really been

more realistic. This is a really beautiful piece, I just believe it needed more.

UBI GIRL FROM TAI REGION

• Year: 1972

• This is honestly Lois best piece of work. This painting could be the Haitian or African culture. I love the character’s skin tone in the painting. Black is truly beautiful and she displayed it in this painting. The mask painted on the character’s face gives her a sense of strength and independence from her peers. I feel as if she is an isolated warrior.

NATURE MORTE AUX CORAIL, HAITI

Year: 1985

I think this painting really captures Haiti’s nature. You can tell this country really

gravitates to herbal healing and healthy living. I think it is interesting how the person in the

painting is holding a key. Maybe it is the key to life or the person that is holding the key is

actually Mother Nature. If it is Mother Nature, I am going to assume the key holds the true beauty of nature and life in general that she

does not want everyone to see.

LA ROUTE À SPÉRACÉDÈS

Year: 1989

La Route à Spéracédès is so beautiful. Lois paints what she sees and really captures the full effect of life. The details in the leaves and building just phenomenal. I feel that she wanted her admirers to get the full experience of everything she witnessed. Also, the way Lois utilized the green is wonderful. She

definitely made sure every shade was used in the way she saw it.

Edgartown Beach

Year: 1994

The painting style for this piece is just beautiful. The colors are so soft and delicately brushed. It completely complaints the idea that she was striving for. It is a beautiful day and there are no clouds in the sky. I would love to transport myself into this painting. The artist really succeeded on giving her admirers a sense of relaxation.