Josephine Baker and Chiquita Abstract Magenta

by Aberjhani

Title

Josephine Baker and Chiquita Abstract Magenta

Artist

Aberjhani

Medium

Mixed Media - Fine Art Digital Paintings And Photography

Description

“Josephine Baker and Chiquita Abstract Magenta” is an original digital painting that takes its dominant palette color from the Pantone Color Institute’s 2023 Color of the Year: Viva Magenta. The color is further accented by touches of gold, yellow, and green within broader outlines of black and sections of white with pastel shades. The abstract image itself if of actress, singer, spy, and human rights activist Josephine Baker with Chiquita, her pet cheetah. This painting was inspired by a 1920s black and white public domain publicity photo of Baker and Chiquita. In addition to being one of the first African-American women to achieve international status as an international superstar, Baker was known to have kept several “exotic” pets.

About JOSEPHINE BAKER’S LOVE AFFAIR WITH FREEDOM (New Series):

Cheers went up around the world in 2021 when French officials announced that the American-born actress, singer, and international spy Josephine Baker (1906-1975) would become the first Black woman to be inducted into the Parisian Panthéon. The announcement made me smile because Josephine Baker is one the historic figures celebrated in Encyclopedia of the Harlem Renaissance (this year 2023 is the 20th anniversary of the encyclopedia’s publication).

The new 2023 edition prints of Baker featured in this series are mixed media and digitally textured interpretations of classic historical photographs and posters categorized as public domain. Some of the new prints are abstract expressionism, or surrealistic impressionism, and others enhanced antique sepia. Baker is widely celebrated during Women’s History Month, Black History Month, and in general as an iconic international entertainer. I sometimes think of her as America’s loss (due to the extreme Jim Crow racism practiced in the United States during her lifetime) and France’s gain. Series prints available on FAA so far include:

1. Josephine Baker and Chiquita Abstract Magenta
2. Josephine Baker Chiquita the Cheetah Number 2
3. Josephine Baker Sophisticated Diva
4. Josephine Baker Stardust Silhouette

Aberjhani
Creator of the Silk-Featherbrush Artstyle
Co-creator of Encyclopedia of the Harlem Renaissance

Uploaded

January 19th, 2023

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