Jacob Lawrence
Painter who told African American history in bold, colorful series.
Their Story
Jacob Lawrence was an American painter known for telling stories of African American history through series of small, connected paintings. His most famous work, 'The Migration Series,' showed the movement of Black families from the rural South to northern cities. He used flat shapes and strong colors in a style he called dynamic cubism.
Era
1900s
Field
Painting
Jacob Lawrence
Painter who told African American history in bold, colorful series.
Art · Painting · 1900s · Black Innovators
Their Story
Jacob Lawrence was an American painter known for telling stories of African American history through series of small, connected paintings. His most famous work, 'The Migration Series,' showed the movement of Black families from the rural South to northern cities. He used flat shapes and strong colors in a style he called dynamic cubism.
Key Innovation
Created storytelling painting series that documented African American history in bold, modern forms.
Why It Matters Today
His narrative panels show students how art can record history and give voice to communities.
Learn More
- Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jacob_Lawrence
Wilkinson STEM Education Foundation · 251 American Innovators · wilkinsonstemfoundation.org
