The Migration Series

Definition

The Migration Series is a collection of paintings by Jacob Lawrence that depicts the African American migration from the rural South to urban centers in the North during the early 20th century. This series consists of 60 panels, capturing the struggles, aspirations, and experiences of African Americans as they sought better opportunities and living conditions. Lawrence's vivid use of color and dynamic compositions serve to convey not only the narrative of migration but also the broader context of African American history and culture.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Migration Series was created between 1940 and 1941 and consists of 60 panels that narrate the story of the Great Migration.
2. Jacob Lawrence's unique style incorporates bold colors and simplified forms, which help to convey emotional depth and narrative clarity.
3. The series was first exhibited at the Downtown Gallery in New York City in 1941, where it received critical acclaim for its powerful representation of African American life.
4. Lawrence's work not only captures individual stories but also reflects broader themes of hope, resilience, and community among African Americans during this transformative period.
5. The Migration Series has been recognized as a significant contribution to American art history and continues to be influential in discussions about race, migration, and identity.

Review Questions

• How does Jacob Lawrence's use of color and composition in The Migration Series enhance the storytelling aspect of his work?
  • Jacob Lawrence's use of bold colors and dynamic compositions plays a crucial role in enhancing the storytelling aspect of The Migration Series. The vibrant colors evoke emotional responses while guiding viewers through the narrative of migration. Each panel is carefully designed to capture significant moments and experiences, making it easier for audiences to connect with the historical context and personal stories being depicted.
• Discuss the historical significance of The Migration Series in relation to the Great Migration and its impact on African American identity.
  • The Migration Series is historically significant as it vividly portrays the experiences of African Americans during the Great Migration, a pivotal movement that reshaped communities and identities. By depicting both struggles and triumphs, Lawrence's work highlights how migration affected not only individual lives but also collective identity within urban settings. This series serves as an artistic representation of a critical period that contributed to evolving cultural expressions among African Americans in cities across the North.
• Evaluate how The Migration Series connects with themes present in the Harlem Renaissance and its reflection on social conditions faced by African Americans.
  • The Migration Series connects with themes present in the Harlem Renaissance by emphasizing cultural expression, resilience, and social justice issues faced by African Americans. Both movements share a focus on portraying authentic experiences and struggles within the African American community. Lawrence's series reflects the yearning for opportunity and equality during a time when artistic expression flourished as a means to address social conditions. By linking these themes, Lawrence contributes to a deeper understanding of how migration influenced cultural identity and artistic representation during this transformative era.

Related terms

Harlem Renaissance: A cultural movement in the 1920s and 1930s centered in Harlem, New York, characterized by a flourishing of African American art, literature, and music.

Great Migration: The mass movement of African Americans from the rural South to industrial cities in the North, particularly between 1916 and 1970, seeking better economic opportunities and escaping racial segregation.

Social Realism: An artistic movement that aims to highlight social issues and promote social change, often focusing on the lives of everyday people and their struggles.