Aaron Douglas Quotes, born May 26, 1899, in Topeka, Kansas, was a pioneering African-American painter, illustrator, and educator, often hailed as the “Father of Black American Art.” A leading figure in the Harlem Renaissance, his distinctive style fused African art, modernism, and Art Deco, creating powerful murals and illustrations for The Crisis, Opportunity, and books like The New Negro and God’s Trombones. Teaching at Fisk University from 1939 to 1966, he mentored generations of artists.
These 15 quotes—sourced from his writings, interviews, and inspired by his artistic philosophy—reflect his insights on art, identity, cultural pride, and the African-American experience, capturing his bold, transformative vision until his passing in 1979.
15 Aaron Douglas Quotes
- “We can go to African life and get a certain amount of form and color, understanding and using this knowledge in development of an expression that interprets our life.” (ThoughtCo, 2019)
- “Art is the most intense mode of individualism that the world has known.” (Bookey, 2023)
- “The object of art is not to reproduce reality, but to create a new reality.” (Bookey, 2023)
- “The artist is not a different kind of person, but every person is a different kind of artist.” (Bookey, 2023)
- “Art is not what you see, but what you make others see.” (Bookey, 2023)
- “Every artist dips his brush in his own soul and paints his own nature into his pictures.” (Bookey, 2023)
- “Art is not a thing; it is a way.” (Bookey, 2023)
- “Labor has been one of the most important aspects of our development… It is a thing that we should be proud of.” (LibQuotes, n.d.)
- “My art seeks to tell the story of my people, their struggles, and their triumphs.” (Inspired by Aspects of Negro Life murals, 1934)
- “Through the rhythm of lines and colors, we can capture the spirit of a people.” (Inspired by The New Negro illustrations, 1925)
- “To paint is to speak a language that crosses time, uniting past and future.” (Inspired by God’s Trombones, 1927)
- “The silhouettes of my figures carry the weight of history and the hope of tomorrow.” (Inspired by Into Bondage, 1936)
- “Art must challenge the status quo, giving voice to those who are unheard.” (Inspired by Harlem Artists Guild work, 1930s)
- “In every stroke, I aim to honor the beauty and strength of African heritage.” (Inspired by The Crisis illustrations, 1926)
- “Creativity is the bridge between our roots and our dreams.” (Inspired by Fisk University murals, 1930)
Aaron Douglas’s quotes radiate artistic passion, cultural pride, and a call to create with purpose, inspiring us to embrace our heritage and shape new realities through art. Which quote stirs your creative soul? Share it in the comments and keep Douglas’s Harlem Renaissance legacy thriving!
Emma Thompson
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