Romare Bearden- Jammin' at the Savoy

This particular piece by Romare Bearden really caught my interest. The abstract shapes of the cool blues and greens in the background with geometric hints of warmer hues creates a certain depth. In 1979 he made this collage using the technique of etching and aquatint- a really interesting methodical process of creating different tones, and also creating a granular texture.  This piece was titled Jammin at the Savoy, in remembrance of Harlem's famous Savoy Ballroom on Lennox Ave. that was open for around 30 years and was home for many jazz musicians during the Harlem Renaissance. I like how you can clearly see the story that Bearden is trying to convey within his work. The instruments really pop out with their bright golds, which really grabs the viewers attention and makes them focus on the theme of the music, and how important it was to African Americans in that time period.