Curatorial Insights

While viewing an artist’s work, we recognize the visually appealing elements. However, we do not think of the background behind said artist and said work. Curating an exhibit allows viewers to gain insight of an artist that they wouldn’t obtain otherwise. Viewers can learn the artist’s story, reasons for making their work and more interesting facts! 

In this particular exhibit, viewers learn about the life, legacy and evolution of Augusta Savage. The viewer is greeted with a brief introduction accompanied with a photograph of Ms.Savage working on one of her sculptors. In the introduction, readers can see first hand the passion Savage had for her work, the significance and why she is a historical figure of the Harlem Renaissance and the New Negro Movement. This sets the tone and let’s people know what they can expect to see more of throughout the site.

As the user continues on to the following pages they will see several other pieces. Some of these are well known, such as “GAMIN” , and some aren’t, such as “Woman with Kerchief”. If we evaluate the elements of these pieces we can see the historical presence and value that they have. Most were made while she was a founder, leader and/or member of organizations that encouraged the advancement of negro art. The Harlem Arts Guild and Savage Studio of Arts and Crafts were important during the movement because Blacks were given access to education and opportunities that were not extended to them through white owned spaces. 

While examining each sculptor the skill, precision and detail included becomes apparent. We can see these attributes increase over the course of her career. In the beginning basic shapes were used for the portraits but later on texture for strands in their hair and creases in their faces can be seen. We also take a look at specific works that were a contribution to the increase in diversity of the art community. With “Lift Every Voice and Sing”, Savage gained many accomplishments as an African American female artist. This particular project inspired others and proved that improvements were being made for inclusivity in the art community. Those that were moved by Savage's success are also highlighted at the end of the exhibit to show how her work has made an impact for many generations.

By creating this exhibition I was able to learn many parts of Augusta Savage’s life that played a role in the development of art inclusivity. This background information is not something that would have been possible to understand by observing one artwork. Many years of work and history are covered that allow viewers to earn a new perspective. For many reasons, Savage served as a positive impact on American and African American history, which is why we continue to celebrate her today. Artists continue to execute her ideas in modern day art and are influenced by her presence in the Harlem Renaissance. It is clear that Augusta Savage was a  major catalyst for Black artistry.