In the early 1900's, World War One, also known as the Great War, was going on. In the beginning, the US remained neutral; for all they cared, the war was Europe's problem. However, when Germany sunk a US passenger ship called the Lusitania, the US ultimately decided to join the war, siding with the Allied Forces (Britain, France, and Russia). Most of the art seen at this time was mostly propaganda and political cartoons.
After the war, during the 1920s, two important events occurred: the Jazz Age and the Harlem Renaissance. The Jazz Age launched radical changes in music, fashion, and morals. The Harlem Renaissance started a celebration of African American culture.
One of the more prominent art styles to appear at this time was called Art Deco. It was meant to move away from the traditional styles of art used in the 1800s, to help give the 1920s its own identity.
After the war, during the 1920s, two important events occurred: the Jazz Age and the Harlem Renaissance. The Jazz Age launched radical changes in music, fashion, and morals. The Harlem Renaissance started a celebration of African American culture.
One of the more prominent art styles to appear at this time was called Art Deco. It was meant to move away from the traditional styles of art used in the 1800s, to help give the 1920s its own identity.
This piece depicts the style of art that came from the Harlem Renaissance. In this piece, "Drawing in Two Colors" or "Interpretation of Harlem Jazz" artist Winold Reiss shows a man singing. This painting represented jazz and its influence on society through the moving use of black lines and colors. Like Art Deco, this is not drawn too realistically, but you can still understand what's being conveyed.
Interpretation of Harlem Jazz, Winold Reiss, circa 1915-1920.