Positivity Through Life and ColorPositivity Through Life and Color

In the early 1600’s African Americans were brought to the colonies as slaves; being forced to work against their will. While many were forced to the fields, some were taught by whites in their trade in order to expand the production of goods. They suffered and were mistreated and oppressed.Time passed and cultures evolved, African Americans were able to create their own work, go to school, and become successful; though the oppression did not stop. Those capable, looked to art as a way to cope with the misfortune and negativity that surrounded them. Many artists used the oppression of their people to fuel their art and to express what they felt. Others looked past the negativity and looked towards their culture and their everyday lives in order to show the positivity that was all around them. Two exemplary examples of the latter are Archibald Motley Jr. and Varnette Honeywood. These two genre painters took scenes from every day life and combined them with bright colors to convey the average people enjoying themselves. There is movement in every painting; movement that shows the enjoyment, hope, faith, happiness, love, laughter, dancing, and all of the wonderful things in every day life that show that there was good in the times of hardship that the African American people faced. Varnette Honeywood being very much inspired by Archibald Motley Jr.,  took his message and conveyed it in her own way. She took his way of thinking; the positivity and hope through life and color, that he so skillfully created, and put it into her own work. This exhibition explores that even when there are hardships and oppression, the uplifting subject matter in these paintings, conveyed through every day life of the average person and wondrous colors, show that no matter what, there is always positivity to find all around. The African American people and their culture demonstrates that fact whole heartedly.

In the early 1600’s African Americans were brought to the colonies as slaves; being forced to work against their will. While many were forced to the fields, some were taught by whites in their trade in order to expand the production of goods. They suffered and were mistreated and oppressed.Time passed and cultures evolved, African Americans were able to create their own work, go to school, and become successful; though the oppression did not stop. Those capable, looked to art as a way to cope with the misfortune and negativity that surrounded them. Many artists used the oppression of their people to fuel their art and to express what they felt. Others looked past the negativity and looked towards their culture and their everyday lives in order to show the positivity that was all around them. Two exemplary examples of the latter are Archibald Motley Jr. and Varnette Honeywood. These two genre painters took scenes from every day life and combined them with bright colors to convey the average people enjoying themselves. There is movement in every painting; movement that shows the enjoyment, hope, faith, happiness, love, laughter, dancing, and all of the wonderful things in every day life that show that there was good in the times of hardship that the African American people faced. Varnette Honeywood being very much inspired by Archibald Motley Jr.,  took his message and conveyed it in her own way. She took his way of thinking; the positivity and hope through life and color, that he so skillfully created, and put it into her own work. This exhibition explores that even when there are hardships and oppression, the uplifting subject matter in these paintings, conveyed through every day life of the average person and wondrous colors, show that no matter what, there is always positivity to find all around. The African American people and their culture demonstrates that fact whole heartedly.

BarbecueArchibald Motley Jr.1934Oil on canvas39 x 44 inches (99.1 x 111.76 cm)

Archibald Motley Jr. has two paintings titled Barbecue, this one is the first. Like most of his paintings after the 1920’s this piece depicts happiness and joy in a time of hard times and oppression. Though it is more subtle in the style and color than The Picnic in the Grass; with everyone smiling, it still has that same exuberance of people having a good time and making merry.

BarbecueArchibald Motley Jr.1934Oil on canvas39 x 44 inches (99.1 x 111.76 cm)

Archibald Motley Jr. has two paintings titled Barbecue, this one is the first. Like most of his paintings after the 1920’s this piece depicts happiness and joy in a time of hard times and oppression. Though it is more subtle in the style and color than The Picnic in the Grass; with everyone smiling, it still has that same exuberance of people having a good time and making merry.

The Picnic in the GrassArchibald Motley, Jr.1936Oil on canvas30 x 36 inches (76.2 x 91.4 cm)

This painting is one of the first paintings to show the change of his subject matter from his interest in the spirit world to life oriented subjects. There is movement and merriment shown in all of these new works; depicting the good times of people in certain areas. The colors in this painting are vibrant and cheerful, adding to the atmosphere and the mood of the piece. All of these elements create a wonderful piece shedding light and happiness in a period that was difficult for many people. 

The Picnic in the GrassArchibald Motley, Jr.1936Oil on canvas30 x 36 inches (76.2 x 91.4 cm)

This painting is one of the first paintings to show the change of his subject matter from his interest in the spirit world to life oriented subjects. There is movement and merriment shown in all of these new works; depicting the good times of people in certain areas. The colors in this painting are vibrant and cheerful, adding to the atmosphere and the mood of the piece. All of these elements create a wonderful piece shedding light and happiness in a period that was difficult for many people. 

NightlifeArchibald Motley Jr.1943Oil on canvas 91.4 x 121.3 cm (36 x 47 3/4 in.)

Nightlife is one of Motley’s most popular works. This painting was created in World War II, a very dark time for everyone in America, though African Americans were still not treated equally. In many of his paintings he shows the nightlife of the African American community. Again he skillfully shows the optimism and hope that his people had. All the movement and dancing along with the bright colors makes you forget about the misfortune and oppression they faced.

NightlifeArchibald Motley Jr.1943Oil on canvas 91.4 x 121.3 cm (36 x 47 3/4 in.)

Nightlife is one of Motley’s most popular works. This painting was created in World War II, a very dark time for everyone in America, though African Americans were still not treated equally. In many of his paintings he shows the nightlife of the African American community. Again he skillfully shows the optimism and hope that his people had. All the movement and dancing along with the bright colors makes you forget about the misfortune and oppression they faced.

BarbecueArchibald Motley Jr.1960Oil on canvas

Archibald Motley Jr. has two paintings entitled Barbecue, this is the second. Though the two pieces are similar in name, there are many differences between them. First, the most obvious is the colors. Though the 1934 painting has a bright atmosphere as well as colors, they are muted. Contrary wise, this piece has much more vibrance to it. The forms are much more complete as well. They have obviously evolved(as did Motley) but it is still very evident that the same artist created them. This fact is also shown in the form of many minute similarities. The circular tables, the smiling faces, and the lanterns in the background, to name a few.

BarbecueArchibald Motley Jr.1960Oil on canvas

Archibald Motley Jr. has two paintings entitled Barbecue, this is the second. Though the two pieces are similar in name, there are many differences between them. First, the most obvious is the colors. Though the 1934 painting has a bright atmosphere as well as colors, they are muted. Contrary wise, this piece has much more vibrance to it. The forms are much more complete as well. They have obviously evolved(as did Motley) but it is still very evident that the same artist created them. This fact is also shown in the form of many minute similarities. The circular tables, the smiling faces, and the lanterns in the background, to name a few.

Hot RythymArchibald Motley Jr.1961Oil on canvas40 x 48.375 inches (101.6 x 122.9 cm)

Archibald Motley Jr. not only had a strong interest in the life situations of his people, but also had a strong jazz influence in his paintings. Much like his 1929 Blues, it is quite evident of his interest in jazz music in this piece. Jazz was a grand thing during the time period. It was another sign of hope and it helped many people to not only cope but to express themselves and their growing culture. Jazz was part of the every day life and the joy people could feel consistently; in which Motley was so focused on, causing it to be depicted in many of his paintings.

Hot RythymArchibald Motley Jr.1961Oil on canvas40 x 48.375 inches (101.6 x 122.9 cm)

Archibald Motley Jr. not only had a strong interest in the life situations of his people, but also had a strong jazz influence in his paintings. Much like his 1929 Blues, it is quite evident of his interest in jazz music in this piece. Jazz was a grand thing during the time period. It was another sign of hope and it helped many people to not only cope but to express themselves and their growing culture. Jazz was part of the every day life and the joy people could feel consistently; in which Motley was so focused on, causing it to be depicted in many of his paintings.

Double DareVarnette Honeywood1979Acrylic on canvas20 x 27 (image size: 18 1/4" x 24 1/2”)

This piece shows the playfulness of young people. The colors grasp this playfulness and adds to the atmosphere of the situation. Seeing the children playing and ‘double daring’ each other shows nothing more than the innocence and hope for the future. Many of her paintings were featured on hit shows, such as ‘The Cosby Show’. This piece is just one of those many picked to show the pride that she felt for her culture.

Double DareVarnette Honeywood1979Acrylic on canvas20 x 27 (image size: 18 1/4" x 24 1/2”)

This piece shows the playfulness of young people. The colors grasp this playfulness and adds to the atmosphere of the situation. Seeing the children playing and ‘double daring’ each other shows nothing more than the innocence and hope for the future. Many of her paintings were featured on hit shows, such as ‘The Cosby Show’. This piece is just one of those many picked to show the pride that she felt for her culture.

CourtingVarnette Honeywood1980Acrylic on canvas20 x 27 (image size: 18 1/4" x 24 1/2”)

Much like the rest of her paintings the color captures you instantly. The geometric shapes cause your eyes to trick you into thinking this piece is simplistic. Though, looking closer to all of the patterns and details in the painting, they convince you otherwise. These two factors along with her genre style of painting makes this piece feel homey and comforting. The courtship is evident and it is another example of a successful representation of everyday life, away from all the negativity.

CourtingVarnette Honeywood1980Acrylic on canvas20 x 27 (image size: 18 1/4" x 24 1/2”)

Much like the rest of her paintings the color captures you instantly. The geometric shapes cause your eyes to trick you into thinking this piece is simplistic. Though, looking closer to all of the patterns and details in the painting, they convince you otherwise. These two factors along with her genre style of painting makes this piece feel homey and comforting. The courtship is evident and it is another example of a successful representation of everyday life, away from all the negativity.

Gossip in the SanctuaryVarnette Honeywood1982Acrylic on canvas

This beautifully executed and lively piece filled with color and emotion shows the hope during this period. Even though times were some what better, things were still extremely hard and unfair for the African Americans. This piece shows that people still had positivity. The fact that these two women are shown gossiping in the church just shows how comfortable some people were and happy with their lives they were. Faith and church gave people hope and dignity, enough so to go as far as to have a little gossip.

Gossip in the SanctuaryVarnette Honeywood1982Acrylic on canvas

This beautifully executed and lively piece filled with color and emotion shows the hope during this period. Even though times were some what better, things were still extremely hard and unfair for the African Americans. This piece shows that people still had positivity. The fact that these two women are shown gossiping in the church just shows how comfortable some people were and happy with their lives they were. Faith and church gave people hope and dignity, enough so to go as far as to have a little gossip.

Old Fashioned Dinner PartyVarnette Honeywood1982Acrylic on canvas

The love and sense of family is all over this painting. You can see the movement and the laughter that is being sharing while they are cooking dinner. There is much detail in this piece; simply executed but all over. If you look through the window you see a child being pushed on a swing. This demonstrates the detail as well as the continued sense of family that is throughout this whole painting. Her use of color and simple shapes to create such a vivid perception of an everyday family dinner is exemplary. This piece shows her expertise in genre paintings as well as her skill in color.

Old Fashioned Dinner PartyVarnette Honeywood1982Acrylic on canvas

The love and sense of family is all over this painting. You can see the movement and the laughter that is being sharing while they are cooking dinner. There is much detail in this piece; simply executed but all over. If you look through the window you see a child being pushed on a swing. This demonstrates the detail as well as the continued sense of family that is throughout this whole painting. Her use of color and simple shapes to create such a vivid perception of an everyday family dinner is exemplary. This piece shows her expertise in genre paintings as well as her skill in color.

Jesus Loves MeVarnette Honeywood1988Acrylic on canvas20" x 24" (image size: 17 3/8" x 23”)

Varnette Honeywood uses the church in many of her pieces. She portrays the hope that African Americans have. Faith was a beacon of hope for the future and helped many people in times that were less than savory and negative. Showing the practice of going to church and the uplifting atmosphere and affect that it had are extremely evident in this painting. Her usual use of vibrant colors pushes the feeling of joy and happiness to a point where you can see the choir singing and dancing. Though her pieces have a geometric nature to them, the movement in her paintings are exemplary.

Jesus Loves MeVarnette Honeywood1988Acrylic on canvas20" x 24" (image size: 17 3/8" x 23”)

Varnette Honeywood uses the church in many of her pieces. She portrays the hope that African Americans have. Faith was a beacon of hope for the future and helped many people in times that were less than savory and negative. Showing the practice of going to church and the uplifting atmosphere and affect that it had are extremely evident in this painting. Her usual use of vibrant colors pushes the feeling of joy and happiness to a point where you can see the choir singing and dancing. Though her pieces have a geometric nature to them, the movement in her paintings are exemplary.