Journal of Art & Theatre

Vol. 2, No. 1, 2023

Welcome to the second volume of the
Journal of Art & Theatre!
This volume includes written and visual work by students in the Department of Art and Theatre at Jackson State University.

Scroll to browse the articles online,
or consider supporting this project by previewing and ordering a printed copy of our journal by clicking on the image below!

Written and Visual work by students in the
Department of Art & Theatre

  • The Harlem Renaissance and its Impact on the Black Community by Xavien Mitchell

    The Harlem Renaissance was a period of cultural, social, and artistic flourishing for the Harlem African American community in the early 20th century. It was a time of immense creativity and progress that saw the celebration of Black culture and a critique of centuries of racism and segregation.

    The movement began in Harlem, New York City, where a diverse group of writers, musicians, artists, actors, and activists gathered to express their ideas through art. This creative energy spread throughout the nation, inspiring African Americans to stand up against inequality and fight for civil rights. The impact of the Harlem Renaissance was far-reaching, giving rise not only to an incredible array of Black talent but also serving as a catalyst for political action...

  • A Profile of the Artist Suzanne Jackson by Capryka Hunt

    Suzanne Jackson, born in 1944 in St. Louis, MO, is a multifaceted artist, poet, set designer, gallery owner, and dancer, who has worked in television, film, and theater for over five decades. Her work has been exhibited in museums and galleries worldwide. Jackson studied art and ballet at San Francisco State University and received a BA in painting. In 1967 she relocated to Echo Park, where she taught and worked as an artist while studying drawing at Otis Art Institute with Charles White. From 1969 to 1970, Jackson ran Gallery 32 in her studio in the Granada Buildings near McArthur Park, as a space to engage with her peers…

  • The Triumph of Lois Mailou Jones by Jennifer Spires

    The Harlem Renaissance was a time of great significance for African Americans after World War I. This significant period in U.S. history boosted Black pride, self-determination, and social consciousness. The Harlem Renaissance showcased creative excellence in areas such as art, music, and literature. In art, the Harlem Renaissance introduced us to many artists who took control of how Black people are represented. This essay will examine visual artist Lois Mailou Jones. Specifically, it will discuss her life, travels, role in the Harlem Renaissance, and legacy. Key works analyzed will include Les Fetiches and Moon Masque. The essay will explore the themes of resistance and empowerment…

  • Delaware’s Greatest: Edward L Loper Sr. by Eric Dixon

    Edward Loper (1916-2011) was an African American self-taught painter, who lived his entire life in Wilmington, Delaware. (fig. 1) His vibrant palette and the juxtaposition of colors are what made him most famous in terms of style. Despite significant challenges, Loper decided to dedicate his life to art. He faced issues of racism and regional biases that made this decision more challenging. . He persevered through challenges and overcame obstacles to become a celebrated artist, mentor, and advocate for the arts. Loper's life and work serve as a testament to the power of art to transform lives, build bridges across divides, and inspire new generations of artists…

  • Albrecht Durer: Self-Portraits by Howard Brown III

    Throughout history, numerous artists have left their unique and aesthetically distinct marks on the vast landscape of the creative world, and some of them continue to influence many modern artists today. This paper seeks to shed light on Albrecht Durer, an artist who possessed exceptional artistic abilities that were considered by many to be divine gifts. To explore and document the various artistic evolutions that he underwent throughout his life, a color-driven mind map of his self-portraits has been created…

  • Spring Exhibitions Highlights

    Hosted by the Municipal Art Gallery, (re)mediations and Material & Memory presented work from Department of Art and Theatre, students, alumni, and faculty …