Jacob Lawrence

Jacob Lawrence was born in 1917 in New Jersey. He grew up in Harlem, a famous neighborhood in New York City. He became one of the most important African American artists. His paintings told stories of Black people and their lives. He used bold shapes and bright colors.

His Art

Lawrence made long sets of paintings that told a story together. His most famous set is called The Migration Series. It has 60 paintings showing Black families moving to northern cities. He used flat shapes and simple colors. His style was easy to understand but very powerful.

His Life

Lawrence learned art in free community classes as a child. He became famous when he was only 24 years old. Later, he taught art at colleges for many years. He wanted kids to learn about history through pictures. He died in 2000 after a long life of making art.

Fun Facts

• Lawrence was the first African American artist to have work in New York's Museum of Modern Art.
• He painted his famous Migration Series on 60 small boards all at once.
• His wife, Gwendolyn Knight, was also a talented artist.

Did You Know?

Jacob Lawrence said he painted what he saw and felt in his own neighborhood of Harlem.