Vaudeville 1951

Jacob Lawrence's 'Vaudeville' is a vibrant scene built with gouache. You can almost feel Lawrence feeling his way through the composition as he works. The colours feel grounded by the solid forms, but then explode into a geometric frenzy in the background. Look closely at the performers: one in shades of green, the other in black. Check out the confident, almost theatrical brushstrokes, but also notice the background: how its pattern gives depth but at the same time flattens the space. It's a push-pull that keeps your eye moving. The black performer gestures with a yellow hand – a moment of pure expression, a flash of light that seems to embody the energy of performance itself. Lawrence has a lot in common with Stuart Davis, with his flattening and his joyful colour. This isn't just a depiction; it’s a feeling, a rhythm, a beat made visible.