An Interpretation of "This is a Family Living in Harlem" by Jacob Lawrence

Per our class discussion on Tuesday, I decided that today's blog post would take a look at another example of Harlem Renaissance art. The painting above, by Jacob Lawrence, is entitled "This is a Family Living in Harlem."

The most prominent feature of this photo seems to be the slimness of everything. Even the vertical alignment of the painting seems to emphasize. In particular, the table where the family sits does not take up much space in the room. The narrowness of the painting seems to accentuate the bareness of the apartment. On the walls hangs only a simple, small black coat and a rickety-looking broom leans against the wall. These items show that the family works and works tirelessly. The curtains appear slightly tattered at its edges and frames the bleak purple-gray outside the window. Perhaps this dim color could represent the hopelessness that closes in upon the family, upon the apartment. The family sits around the table with a fairly meager meal. The mother and father seem tired with hunched postures. While her family eats, the mother coddles her baby in her arms. Her work is not done. She is not at rest, none of them seem to be. Although they sit and eat, even the children look as if they are performing a chore. Their lives seem to be filled with chores. There is no life in this photo. If we could hear the conversation going on at this table, I believe this too, like the apartment, would be sparse and tired. Perhaps, the baby would be crying.

But, yet, I see hope in this painting. Even though the family appears downtrodden and the apartment lacking in life and fullness, I am encouraged that they sit together and share a meal. This is a priority for the parents, being together with their children and providing what they can for them, even if this is a meager meal. Despite the commotion of their lives, they sit together every evening (perhaps) and share each other's company. They struggle, but they struggle together.

The title of the painting, "This is a Family Living in Harlem," seems to me like it is announcing a PSA. It suggests that this is only one example of a black family living in these poor conditions in Harlem, that if one were to look through the windows of any Harlem apartment, he/she would see this same scene. It bids the audience, "Look at this situation. This should not be happening. Do something about it."

Photo Credit: http://www.bandagedear.com/category/world-culture/african-american-culture/african-american-family-art