Those She Influenced
Builders #1
1968
Gouache and tempera on paper
29 in. x 21 1/4 in.
Colby College Museum of Art
As previously mentioned, Augusta Savage is a well known figure of the Harlem Renaissance and New Negro Movement. This is due to her progression as an artist and her determination to create a space where all kinds of artists are welcomed. Because of Savage’s ability to dismantle the restricted art community, several new artists began to emerge with their own perspectives and styles. One of these artists that Savage had a great influence on was Jacob Lawerence. The two took classes together in 1936 at the Harlem Community Art Center, formerly known as the Uptown Art Laboratory. In this painting, the theme of evolution can be applied when analyzing the subject matter. To begin, there are individuals of shades of brown; something that wasn’t common in art at this time. Secondly, we see that each person in the painting is interacting with some form of equipment or tool. Notice the two blue rulers and the saw in one of the man’s hands. Artwork from this time usually addressed the struggles of black people, discrimination or slavery. However, Lawrence introduces Black subject matter in a new light; creating a shift in the typical narrative portrayed in most Black artwork and challenging others to create something different.
