The Harlem Renaissance Gallery

The Harlem Renaissance is perhaps one of the most exciting and interesting periods in African American history. The exact dates of this period are not clear but a good way to think of it is as roughly between World War I and World War II. There are also many factors that contributed to this important era. In fact the influence may have been worldwide. The Chinese Jazz age occured during this same period. Artists such as Buck Clayton performed at the Canidrome Ballroom in Shanghai China in 1934. Anyone who is really interested should Google the subject to learn more.

One thing is clear, from roughly 1919 to 1940 writers, artists,, musicians and thinkers all ended up in Harlem, New York. One of Saint's favorite movies is 'Stormy Weather'. This classic movie starring Lena Horne, Bill 'Bogangles' Robinson, and Cab Calloway chronicles the period though music.

Some say the period was started by the "flowering of Negro literature," as James Weldon Johnson called it. First came the writers and poets,and inspired by them artists and musicians soon followed. In that regard we open this gallery with the painting 'Brother Langston:The Poetry Man. Dedicated to the life and poetry of Langston Hughes.

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The painting 'Katherine The Great' is dedicated to dancer Katherine Dunham. Ms. Dunham is widely regarded as the mother of modern Jazz dance. One viewing of the title tune in Stormy Weather will show you why. It is a real shame that more of her dancing was not caught on film for us to enjoy. However, we are thankful for what we do have. Thank you Katherine Dunham for all your contributions to the world of dance.

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This photo of the painting 'Gettin Down' will be replaced soon but we include it now anyway. This was inspired once again by a scene in Stormy Weather. This time the finale when at least 50 dancers all like the two below were really 'gettin down'.

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Lena Mary Calhoun Horne was born in Brooklyn, NY on June 30, 1917 and began her meteoric career as a chorus girl at the Cotton Club in 1933. In 'Stormy Weather' Saint captures part of the scene as Lena sings the title song. Combine this painting with 'Katherine the Great' above to get a small dose of this powerful musical number from the film. If any African American reading this has not seen the movie....shame on you...rent it or buy it immediately. If you have not already figured it out..Stormy Weather is the artist's favorite film and he has had a crush on Lena Horne since the age of 8.

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More paintings from Saint's Harlem Renaissance Collection will be added to this gallery for your enjoyment.

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