An’ the Stars Began to Fall
Date
Credits
- Aaron Douglas 21 Illustrator
Description:
This piece incorporates imagery of falling stars in what appears to be shapes of city buildings. There appears to be human figures hiding from what is happening while another is standing seemingly demandingly over top of them. There is also a face looking down upon the scene that is unfolding.
I believe this piece should be a part of this archive because it is one of Aaron Dougla's many works created during the Harlem Renaissance as he was a major figure during this time. He developed his art career painting murals and creating illustrations that addressed the experiences of African American people, and African American Heritage.
The Harlem Renaissance was a cultural and artistic movement that took place primarily in the 1920s and 1930s. It was a time of African American expression through art, music, literature, etc. This period laid the groundwork and inspiration for later African American cultural movements.
My interpretation of the piece:
At first glance I noticed the use of negative space as all the shapes and figures are in black and white. The way that white is used makes it seem like beams of light are shining down, and the dress of the figure in the middle kind of absorbing that light is reminiscent of an awakening of some sort. That accompanied by the stance of the figure further influences that interpretation I have. The figures at the bottom seem to be afraid of what's happening; afraid of change is what comes to mind.
Sources/references:
