NYS Museum Exhibit: Black Capital, Harlem in the 1920s Works of Art

The first work of art is called Out Chorus, by Romare Bearden. It was created in the 1980s, made from etching. The museum also purchased this specific piece of art, not sure where from though. This painting is mostly yellow and black, with a few pops of blue and purple, so for the most part is it a limited palette. It is of many different people having fun, playing jazz music, and enjoying the music.

This next piece of art is called Jazz Musicians, by Ed Wilson. It was created in 1982 and was a gift to the museum from Craig Wilson, who I am assuming is a relative. This is a low relief sculpture mail out of cast plaster. It also almost looks like it was either cut into for pieces or was created as four different pieces. As you can see, there are 6 or so different musicians, all playing different instruments. This sculpture captures the happiness and liveliness of jazz music in the early 20th century.

The last piece of art is called Composer at the Keyboard and is by Mary Hutchinson. It was painted in 1920, and is oil on canvas. This painting was loaned to the museum by The Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture. This painting pictures is of a man at the keyboard, he seems serious and almost mysterious. The contouring and lighting on his face helps to create the illusion that it is so serious. You can tell how into the music he is and how hard he is concentrating.

All of the pieces of art have to do with Jazz Music. Personally, I love the story of Jazz. It really started the whole lively, and head bopping music movement. I don't think music would be where it is today without it. You can tell that everyone was so passionate, and not only was it fun and exciting, but also complex and told a story.