Artwork copyright Jacob Lawrence. Photo courtesy of the artist.

Celebration of Heritage, 1992

Jacob Lawrence
(American, born 1917, died 2000)

Location: Seattle Central College, Seattle

ABOUT THE ARTWORK

Celebration of Heritage is a print by artist Jacob Lawrence that explores the Native American experience. The abstracted composition highlights what Lawrence termed "the poetry of people being a part of nature." He viewed this piece as part of his "Builders" series, which conceived of tools as extensions of the maker's hands. He noted that "instead of tools here, I use the elements."

This artwork was acquired for the State Art Collection in partnership with Seattle Vocational Institute.

ABOUT THE ARTIST

Celebrated artist Jacob Lawrence (1917-2000) created expressive, graphic artworks with a distinct style and color palette. His art explores the human condition, American history, and themes of social justice, especially as connects to the African American experience. Lawrence and his wife, artist Gwen Knight, had a life-long partnership of creative and critical guidance and support. About his own work, Lawrence said "When the subject is strong, simplicity is the only way to treat it."

Lawrence began his art career during the Harlem Renaissance, in 1930s New York City. During World War II (1939-45), he was drafted into the United States Coast Guard. He served in a segregated regiment and as Coast Guard Artist. In 1941, he was the first African American artist to be represented in the collection of the Museum of Modern Art (MOMA) in New York City. He became an influential teacher across the country, including at Black Mountain College in North Carolina. He was Professor Emeritus (1970-1985) in the School of Art at the University of Washington in Seattle.

Lawrence's artworks are in the permanent collections of over 200 museums, including the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Museum of Modern Art (MOMA), the National Gallery of Art in Washington D.C., and the White House Art Collection. He was honored with a Washington State Governor's Arts and Heritage Award in 1984. His artworks and legacy continue to inspire discussions about art, society, and social justice.