Modernist Exhibition depicts a savvy young woman studying modern artworks. She leans back on her left foot to admire a painting’s formal qualities, juxtaposing its imagery with the sculpture below. Her newspaper, calf-length skirt, bobbed hair, and cigarette indicate that she is a “New Woman,” demonstrating that black women were full participants in mid 20th-century feminism.
A prominent Harlem Renaissance artist, Bannarn worked for the Works Progress Administration, taught at the Harlem Community Arts Center, and codirected Studio 306 with fellow artist Charles Alston (1907-1977). 306 was Harlem’s epicenter for both emerging and established African-American visual, performing, and literary artists. Romare Bearden’s first exhibition was held at 306. Examples of paintings by Bannarn–better known for his sculpture–are very rare.
