Vaudeville 1951

Jacob Lawrence made this tempera painting, Vaudeville, sometime in the mid-twentieth century. I’m imagining Lawrence, leaning in close, really close, to build up these patterned surfaces, one careful mark after another. The title suggests theatrics, which is a feeling the harlequin figure on the left definitely conveys. The performers are offset against a geometric background. I love this juxtaposition of the geometric shapes with the organic forms of the figures, there’s a sort of harmony between the two that elevates the subjects from mere performers to almost totemic figures. I feel like I can sense the rhythms of everyday life in his compositions, it makes me consider the way artists communicate with one another over time. The push and pull between abstraction and figuration creates so much tension, so much to look at! This piece feels like a really generous invitation to think and feel, so come on in!