Ernest Crichlow and the Harlem Renaissance
Jamahl Walker
This essay explores the life and legacy of Ernest Crichlow, an eminent African American artist whose artistry was deeply interwoven with the Harlem Renaissance. It seeks to illuminate Crichlow’s significant contributions to the art world and examine the profound impact of social injustices on his work during a transformative period in American history. By exploring Crichlow’s artistic endeavors, this paper aims to highlight the enduring influence of the Harlem Renaissance on his creations and the broader narrative of African American art.
Crichlow was making work at the height of the Harlem Renaissance, a critical epoch characterized by the vibrant expression of Black culture through art, literature, and music in the wake of World War I. At a time when the world was recovering from the ravages of war and societal attention to art was deemed non-essential, African American artists boldly claimed their space, celebrating Black identity and confronting issues of inequality and discrimination. The renaissance served not only as a platform for notable figures such as Langston Hughes, Zora Neale Hurston, Duke Ellington, and Aaron Douglas but also as a conduit for African American artists to challenge prevailing stereotypes and advocate for a revised understanding of Black Americans’ societal roles.
Other significant events shaped this era, including the Great Migration and the devastating effects of the Great Depression, which dampened the fervor of artistic expression yet failed to extinguish the creative spirit of African American artists. It was during this time that initiatives like President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s Federal Art Project and the establishment of the Harlem Community Art Center provided much-needed support and opportunities for artists to thrive and continue their creative pursuits.
Ernest Crichlow’s early life was in Brooklyn, New York, where he was nurtured in a large, supportive family environment, with his artist father playing a crucial role in shaping his artistic aspirations. Despite the societal adversities prevalent during his time, Crichlow remained steadfast in his pursuit of art, a journey that became particularly poignant in the aftermath of the Great Depression. This period marked a significant challenge for artists, as the societal appreciation for artistic endeavors dwindled amidst the economic downturn. However, it was against this backdrop of hardship that Crichlow’s artistry began to vividly capture the social injustices and the northward migration of African Americans in search of a better life, away from the destitution and racial oppression endemic to the South.
Throughout his career, Crichlow’s art served as a poignant reflection of the racial and economic struggles endured by his community during these tumultuous times. His work stood as a beacon of hope, illuminating the path toward societal upliftment and offering a stark contrast to the darkness enveloping the Great Depression era. Through Crichlow’s lens, the essay aims to showcase the resilience and determination of an artist whose work not only mirrored the societal challenges of his era but also contributed to the rich tapestry of African American cultural heritage, underscoring the indelible influence of the Harlem Renaissance on the evolution of African American art and identity.
Ernest Crichlow’s life vividly encapsulates how social injustices, and the challenges of the Depression era, deeply influenced his artistry. Born and raised on Pacific Street in Brooklyn, New York City, Crichlow grew up in a bustling household with his parents and nine siblings, alongside a neighboring Italian family who often looked after them. With a father who was an artist, Crichlow’s path to artistry seemed almost predestined. However, embracing an artistic career during this tumultuous period came with its own set of obstacles, akin to those faced by many African American artists of the time. Post-Great Depression, the world, including the art sector, was grappling with recovery, in an era where artistic pursuits were often dismissed as frivolous against the backdrop of global hardship.
Crichlow’s artwork became a canvas reflecting the societal and racial injustices of his time, inspired by the migration of African Americans to the north in search of better opportunities, away from the impoverished and oppressive conditions of the south. His early years as an artist were fraught with the challenges of navigating a racially prejudiced society while the United States was still healing from the scars of World War I and the Great Depression. Art, for Crichlow, was a beacon of hope, illuminating the darkness of these hard times.
Delving deeper into Crichlow’s life and experiences, an interview conducted by Henri Ghent emerges as a significant source of insight.[1] Ghent’s questions reveal not only Crichlow’s personal journey and challenges as an artist during the depression era but also his perspectives on the evolving societal landscapes. Crichlow lamented the lost communal bonds and cultural richness of his youth, highlighting a growing divide that he observed even into contemporary times, with efforts to erase African American culture and history from educational curricula.
Ernest Crichlow, Reflections of Another Time, 2001
This interview not only offers a glimpse into Crichlow’s personal ethos and the motivations behind his art but also contextualizes his work within the broader socio-economic and cultural shifts of his time. His reflections on the disparities in cultural unity and the importance of heritage underscore the profound impact of social injustice on his creative expression. This can be seen in works such as Reflections of Another Time. This painting captures an African American woman in a field, adorned with an apron, amidst a blend of bright yet subtly darkened colors that suggest a cloudy yet sunny day. This piece, emblematic of Crichlow’s art, speaks volumes about the African American experience, evoking a time when racial and social harmony seemed within closer reach. The artwork serves as a poignant reminder of the divisive impact of the Depression era on societal cohesion, urging a more collaborative spirit for recovery and progress.
Crichlow’s exhibitions, from the early showcases at the Downtown Gallery to the founding of the Cinque Gallery alongside Norman Lewis and Romare Bearden, demonstrate his commitment to supporting emerging artists from disadvantaged backgrounds. Crichlow’s teaching legacy and the recognition he received, including an honor by President Jimmy Carter, cement his role as a pivotal figure in American art.
In conclusion, this essay embarked on a journey through the life and art of Ernest Crichlow, an African American artist whose work was profoundly influenced by the social injustices of his time, particularly during the Harlem Renaissance. The struggles, achievements, and contributions of African Americans are integral to the fabric of American history and the broader human story. While there may be forces that seek to marginalize or erase these narratives, the resilience of memory and the continued efforts of individuals and communities to record, celebrate, and teach this history suggest that it will not be easily forgotten.
In essence, the legacy of artists like Ernest Crichlow and the broader tapestry of African American history stands as testaments to the enduring power of artistic expression and the indomitable spirit of resilience and resistance. As society progresses, the responsibility falls on each generation to ensure that these stories are remembered and honored, affirming that art and history, in their most profound expressions, remain inseparable and eternal.
References:
Family, P. (2018, October 3). Ernest Crichlow. Petrucci Family Foundation Collection of African American Art. https://pffcollection.com/artists/ernest-crichlow
Ghent. Oral history interview with Ernest Crichlow, 1968 July 20. Archives of American Art, Smithsonian Institution.
Npr. (2005, November 14). Harlem Renaissance Painter Ernest Crichlow. NPR.
https://www.npr.org/2005/11/14/5012368/harlem-renaissance-painter-ernest-crichlow
[1] Oral history interview with Ernest Crichlow, 1968 July 20. Archives of American Art, Smithsonian Institution.