Augusta Savage

Definition

Augusta Savage was a prominent African American sculptor and artist during the Harlem Renaissance, known for her powerful and expressive works that often highlighted themes of Black identity and social justice. Her contributions to the arts were significant not only for their artistic merit but also for their role in advocating for racial equality and empowerment within the African American community during a time of intense racial discrimination.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Augusta Savage was born in 1892 in Green Cove Springs, Florida, and faced significant challenges due to her race and gender throughout her career.
2. She was a founding member of the Harlem Artists Guild, which aimed to promote African American artists and their works during the Harlem Renaissance.
3. Savage's most famous work is 'The Harp,' a sculpture created for the 1939 New York World's Fair that symbolized the African American experience and heritage.
4. In addition to her work as a sculptor, Savage was also an influential educator who taught art to young African Americans, helping to inspire future generations of artists.
5. Savage faced ongoing struggles for recognition and financial support throughout her life, highlighting the barriers many African American artists encountered in the mainstream art world.

Review Questions

• How did Augusta Savage's artistic style reflect the ideals of the Harlem Renaissance?
  • Augusta Savage's artistic style embodied the ideals of the Harlem Renaissance by emphasizing themes of racial pride, identity, and social justice. Through her sculptures, she sought to depict the strength and beauty of African Americans, using her art as a platform for advocacy. Her work not only celebrated Black culture but also challenged prevailing stereotypes and discrimination, aligning with the broader cultural movement that aimed to redefine African American identity in a positive light.
• Discuss how Augusta Savage's role as an educator impacted the development of African American art during her time.
  • As an educator, Augusta Savage played a critical role in nurturing the talents of young African American artists. She taught at various institutions and was dedicated to providing opportunities for her students that were often unavailable due to systemic racism. By mentoring these emerging artists and promoting their work, Savage helped to build a community of Black creatives who could share their voices and perspectives through art, thereby enriching the cultural landscape during and after the Harlem Renaissance.
• Evaluate Augusta Savage's contributions to both the art world and civil rights movements in her lifetime, considering how her legacy continues to influence contemporary artists today.
  • Augusta Savage's contributions extended beyond her stunning sculptures; she was a pioneering figure who used her art as a means of activism. By addressing issues of race and identity through her work and educational efforts, she laid groundwork for future generations of artists who confront social justice themes in their creations. Today, her legacy is evident as contemporary artists draw inspiration from her commitment to empowerment and representation, ensuring that the discussions she initiated continue to resonate within the ongoing struggles for racial equality in art and society.

Related terms

Harlem Renaissance:

A cultural, social, and artistic explosion centered in Harlem, New York, during the 1920s that celebrated African American heritage and produced a wealth of literature, music, and visual arts.

New Negro Movement:

A movement that encouraged African Americans to embrace their cultural heritage and seek social, political, and economic equality through art, literature, and activism.

Sculpture: The art of creating three-dimensional works by shaping materials such as clay, stone, or metal; a medium in which Augusta Savage excelled.