Audible Art

"Midsummer Night in Harlem" - 1936 **APOLOGIES I got the name wrong in the show!!**

About the Artist

Palmer Hayden was an African-American painter who lived primarily in New York during the Harlem Renaissance of the 1920s-30s. After developing an interest in art at a young age, Hayden spent time working in the circus, then joined the army and was stationed in the Philippines. When he returned to the US, he attended and worked in universities in New York where he continued to practice painting and drawing. His work won an art prize which allowed him to travel to France for several years. Some of his work reflects this period and his experience with Afro-European communities.

Hayden's work centers on African-American (and European) culture, also drawing on folklore (see his John Henry series). During his life and after, critics were divided on his portrayal of African-Americans. Some felt it was too similar to racist, exaggerated depictions which were harmful to the African-American community. Others believed his work was a reclamation of the visual identity of African-Americans. Unlike harmful depictions created by racist white artists, Palmer Hayden's work is a celebration of black arts and culture.

Here is a link to the Spotify playlist for this week!

See more of Palmer Hayden's art here.

"Faune au Crépuscule" - (undated, 1920s or 30s?)