Considered one of the most influential artist during the Harlem Renaissance, Lois Mailou Jones’ early introduction to her inspirations led a path to a promising career. The impact that African culture had on her inspired her to depict African-American subjects in her own artwork. However, in the process she faced many obstacles. Despite this, Jones continues to be viewed as the link between the greatest that is the Harlem Renaissance, and contemporary expression.
Born in Boston, Massachusetts on November 3rd of 1905, young Lois Mailou Jones always had artistic abilities under her belt. Creating art felt natural to her, and she loved to paint creatively. Initially, Jones was used to painting landscapes of Paris. However, after spending time in Africa and Haiti in her early twenties, she found herself inspired by African artwork and designs. When she …show more content…
Jones loved coming back home to the United States in the midst of the Harlem Renaissance. The cultural movement inspired her to present African subjects in her artwork. Using African influence, she created her most famous piece: Les Fetiches. It portrays five different overlapping masks from different African tribes. Jones herself considers Les Fetiches as one of her greatest works, due to it being a contrast to her previous pieces, and because it was inspired by her own heritage. However, her peers did not enjoy Les Fetiches as much as she did. Jones had not experienced racial discrimination prior to living in New York and Washington. Ever since moving there, she felt the hateful eyes on her. There was a large amount of social stigma toward African Americans during the time of the Harlem
Born in Boston, Massachusetts on November 3rd of 1905, young Lois Mailou Jones always had artistic abilities under her belt. Creating art felt natural to her, and she loved to paint creatively. Initially, Jones was used to painting landscapes of Paris. However, after spending time in Africa and Haiti in her early twenties, she found herself inspired by African artwork and designs. When she …show more content…
Jones loved coming back home to the United States in the midst of the Harlem Renaissance. The cultural movement inspired her to present African subjects in her artwork. Using African influence, she created her most famous piece: Les Fetiches. It portrays five different overlapping masks from different African tribes. Jones herself considers Les Fetiches as one of her greatest works, due to it being a contrast to her previous pieces, and because it was inspired by her own heritage. However, her peers did not enjoy Les Fetiches as much as she did. Jones had not experienced racial discrimination prior to living in New York and Washington. Ever since moving there, she felt the hateful eyes on her. There was a large amount of social stigma toward African Americans during the time of the Harlem