Josephine Baker Sophisticated Diva
by Aberjhani
Title
Josephine Baker Sophisticated Diva
Artist
Aberjhani
Medium
Painting - Fine Art Digital Paintings And Photography
Description
Early in her career, Josephine Baker was both celebrated and criticized for performing comedic dance routines wearing little more than skirts made of bananas. “Josephine Baker Sophisticated Diva” shows her successful efforts to move beyond that image. This is the third piece in the JOSEPHINE BAKER’S LOVE AFFAIR WITH FREEDOM Series. The artwork was inspired by a 1950 black and white photograph of Baker taken by Rudolf Suroch in Havana, Cuba. The original B&W image is categorized as a promotional one in the public domain. The 2023 art edition seen here uses contrasting hues of yellow, gold, orange, and brown with black and white to enhance the qualities of sophistication and elegance Baker wished to project at this time in her legendary life.
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 World War II 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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Viewed 261 Times - Last Visitor from New York, NY on 04/19/2024 at 7:17 PM
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Comments (18)
Aberjhani's Official Postered Chromatic Poetics
Thank you vey much Bunny for dropping by and checking out "Josephine Baker Sophisticated Diva." She's one of my all-time favorite historic figures.
Aberjhani's Official Postered Chromatic Poetics
Thank you Sharon for checking out & commenting on "Josephine Baker Sophisticated Diva," one of my favorite sheroes of the Harlem Renaissance.
Amy E Fraser
Warm and wondrous, a very inviting re-imagining. Beautifully done and great description.
Aberjhani's Official Postered Chromatic Poetics
Thank you Angeles for stopping by checking out "Josephine Baker Sophisticated Diva." Greatly appreciate your visit & encouragement.
Aberjhani's Official Postered Chromatic Poetics
Thank you very much Marcia, greatly appreciate your thoughtful comments.
Aberjhani's Official Postered Chromatic Poetics
Thank you very much Stephen, I appreciate the kind words.
Angeles M Pomata
Such a powerful and elegant portrait, Aberjhani!! The use of light and shadows and the golden tones are stunning. L/F
Aberjhani's Official Postered Chromatic Poetics
Thank you Laurie. Very glad you enjoyed checking out "Josephine Baker Sophisticated Diva."
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