'Harlem Renaissance and Transatlantic Modernism' exhibition opens at the New York Metropolitan Museum
An exhibition focusing on the Harlem Renaissance, the first international modern art movement of Black people, has met art lovers at the Metropolitan Museum of Art (MET) in New York, USA.
AA
The exhibition titled 'The Harlem Renaissance and Transatlantic Modernism' features 160 works, including paintings, photographs, sculptures, and films.
MET officials, who spearheaded the exhibition—considered the first comprehensive study on the Harlem Renaissance in New York since 1987—define the Harlem Renaissance, which emerged in the 1920s, as the first international modern art movement led by African Americans.
MET Museum CEO and Director Max Hollein stated in an interview with AA, "This exhibition provides an important celebration, examination, and overview of the Harlem Renaissance."
The exhibition's curator, Denise Murrell, also said in her opening speech, "You will see Duke Ellington performing at the Cotton Club and Cab Calloway dancing while conducting an orchestra."
Murrell noted that the exhibition could help fill a gap in New York City's art history, American art, and international modernism, and help complete New Yorkers' understanding of history.
The Harlem Renaissance, which stands out with works focusing on themes such as Black American identity, community, slavery, and the daily experiences of Black people, also holds an important place in American history for leading political activism by providing Black people with a spirit of self-determination, a new social consciousness, and pride.
It is widely accepted that the Harlem Renaissance played a major role in laying the foundation for the Civil Rights Movement, particularly in the 1950s and 1960s.
The exhibition, which will be open to the public starting February 25, can be visited until July 28.