Escapism and Its Affects on Black Art Pieces

• In Event: Poster Session

Abstract

Since the boisterous period of the Harlem Renaissance, the theme of escapism in Black artwork became frequent due to the publicized bigotry African Americans faced before and during the 1900s. Escapism became common in works by James Baldwin, Aaron Douglas, Bessie Smith, and James Van Der Zee. All these great artists depict art in many different forms; they had in common that they were Black and magnificent creators who reflected escapism in their vast ways to describe Black Americans in a new light. African-American creators' use of escapism has provided the most significant artworks from Black authors, painters, composers, and photographers. Their works in literature, painting, photography, and music reflect the desire to escape from the harsh realities of racism and discrimination that Black Americans faced during the early 1900s. Black artists could reclaim their identity and assert their place in American society through art. It has ultimately influenced the African-American identity and has generationally affected Black art forms. In doing so, they introduced new perspectives and voices into the art world, which eventually helped diversify and enrich the broader culture. Because of escapism, Black artists could assert themselves in American society through the art form and transform how Black art is viewed through liberation, self-preservation, and salvation.

Author

• Sloane Cauthen, North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University