Harriet Tubman in Art

I came across a very pleasant surprise today, in preparation for our art lesson.

We have been using Meet the Masters, and this week's artist is Jacob Lawrence (1917-2000).  Lawrence chooses some very interesting subjects reflecting his life.  His parents were from southern America and moved north during WWI to New York.  It was here that Lawrence was born.

His work in general uses many bold colours to reflect mood, and often with a method of overlapping.  He also uses his art as a way to communicate his life as a black American.  He was commissioned make a poster for the Munich Olympic Games (1972), and was one of many artists invited to capture his impression of President Carter's Inauguration in 1977.  However, how he chose to capture the event wasn't what was expected.  He'd rather capture the cheering crowd on the outskirts and sitting amongst tree branches.  President Carter wasn't literally represented at all! (To see his piece of art, The Swearing In, go here.)

I was delighted to find Lawrence had created a very interesting piece of art showing Harriet Tubman leading the people in the Underground Railroad.

Harriet is shown with her large hand leading the people, 

whilst pointing to the North Star with the other hand.

His technique of layering is quite obvious here, giving the piece a sense of depth.  The project we're supposed to be working on at the end of the lesson is a citiscape using the layering technique with tissue paper.  I may put the option to the children to do a similar piece of art as a landscape, or even attempt to imitate this piece.  I'll share the results when we're done!!

More Harriet Tubman artwork can be found by Lawrence and other artists.  Here is a small selection if you'd like to follow up:

• Lawrence: Daybreak - A Time to Rest (1967)
• Lawrence: The Life of Harriet Tubman No. 7
• Bryson: Harriet Tubman as Moses
• Johnson: Harriet Tubman in Patriotic Colors

and finally, a picture book telling the story of Harriet Tubman, illustrations by Jacob Lawrence. (It's available at Amazon and Book Depository, but I'll put the You Tube link here.)




Until next time!

Catherine