Title: Aspects of Negro Life: An Idyll of the Deep South
Artist: Aaron Douglas
Date: 1934
Medium: Oil on canvas
At first glance, this image appears to be joyful with the figures playing music, singing, and dancing about. However, taking a closer look will reveal figures to the right whom are working hard in the fields while the others play. To the left there is a vision of sadness as figures are on their knees crying out as a rope hangs from the nearby tree, possibly relating to the frequent lynchings that occurred during that period. This image captures the treatment of African Americans in the workforce. A star to the top left corner shines across the composition representing the hope for a better future in terms of social and economic equality through a socialist or communist government.
A Wave of Change 