Wednesday, February 29, 2012

Visual art: Nightlife


Archibald John Motley, Jr. was a black painter who is famous for his colorful chronicling of negro life in the 1920s to the 1940s. While considered one of the major contributors to the Harlem Renaissance, he actually never lived in Harlem. He was born in New Orleans but lived in Chicago and attended the Art institute of Chicago. In the 1910’s, his modernist-realist style estranged him from the conservitively-bent style of his peers and his unique abilities wouldn’t of had the chance to be widely recognized without the new views about art brought about by the Harlem Renaissance. His paintings often depict Chicago’s Bronzzeville neighborhood, which was similar to Harlem in the sense that it offered a safe haven for migrating blacks.
I was drawn to this particular painting, Nightlife, because of the stunning use of color and movement. The warm colors and curved lined that are used give the impression of a relaxed yet spirited atmosphere. Motley’s painting also has a lot of details, such as the clock in the top corner striking one-o’clock in the morning, that, while not dominant features, help to add to the holistic quality of the painting. It is the culmination of all these seemingly minor details that gives real life to the painting. When You look at the painting, you can practically hear the music blasting from the jukebox and drunken chatter. You can almost smell the cigarette smoke mixed with the sweat from the dancing couples on this warm summer night. Most importantly, there is a rhythmic tone to the painting that mirrors that of the dancing and vivacity of the jazz joint.
Motley’s Nightlife was actually painted in 1943, after the Harlem Renaissance was over. However, the jazz-influence is undeniable and the general themes are congruent with those of the Harlem Renaissance and Motley’s other previous work. This painting is about Motley’s identification with and pride in the negro race. This is demonstrated in the the positive and lively aspects of negro culture Motley chooses to depict. It is a culture that is exciting, dynamic, and purely their own.


http://www.areaofdesign.com/americanicons/motley.htm


2 comments:

  1. awsome description! I like the whole drunken chatter thing. meow.-molly

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  2. even though this is one of motley's better known works (i think) i've never gotten much out of it before. i mean i like the colors but otherwise i don't see anything within the subtext of the art. good job in your analysis and making me open my eyes.
    P.S: how did you get the fish to swim in the top right of the blog??

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