of Harlem Renaissance posters (each example- 300-600 words)
The Harlem Renaissance was a vibrant period in the 1920s and 1930s that saw a blossoming of African American creativity, producing works in music, fine art, literature, and other forms of expression The creative expression that was generated during this time was accompanied by a strengthening of racial pride, which was reflected in the artwork that was produced. One of the most iconic types of artwork produced during the Harlem Renaissance was poster art.
Harlem Renaissance poster art was used to advertise specific events such as concerts, dances, and other cultural happenings. They used bright colors and bold designs to attract the attention of potential attendees. The posters also served as a visual representation of African American pride, often featuring the African American experience or featuring African American subjects in various scenarios. These posters helped to spread awareness of the Harlem Renaissance and further empower African Americans.
1. Cab Calloway: This poster features renowned jazz musician Cab Calloway. It was created by Ernest C. Withers, an African American photographer, as an advertisement for a 1929 show at the famous Cotton Club. The poster features an image of Calloway in the middle of a performance, with muted colors of yellow, red, and pink in the background. The poster is an example of a popular trend at the time of giving an artistic representation to a popular African American performer.
2. The Bitter End Cafe: This poster was created by Winold Reiss, an African American artist, to advertise a series of live performances at The Bitter End Cafe in New York in 1927. He used primary colors of yellow and red, as well as a black background, to make a bold statement. The poster features a silhouette of an African American man with a hat, a symbol of class in the Harlem Renaissance era.
3. The Cotton Club: This poster was produced to advertise the opening of the Cotton Club in New York. It was designed by the artist Gordon Fletcher, an African American painter. The poster is dominated by a vibrant yellow, featuring a muscular African American man wearing white shorts, with the words “The Cotton Club” written in black letters.
4. "Ladies in Red:" This poster was created to advertise a concert at the Cotton Club in 1930. It features two African American women in red dresses, with their arms crossed, looking away from each other. The poster was created by Winold Reiss and uses muted colors of red, yellow, and black.
5. Duke Ellington: This poster features the famous jazz musician Duke Ellington. It was created by Cecil Beauford, an African American artist, to promote a concert at the Apollo Theater. It features an image of Ellington in his iconic white suit, with vibrant colors of purple, turquoise, and yellow. It is an example of the Harlem Renaissance's use of bright colors to express the vibrancy of African American culture.