Reina N, Nicole R, Kacey R. Art and Literature in the 1920s

Roaring Twenties The 1920s was a dynamic decade filled with change. The decade was experimental and modern, testing the status quo and producing something innovative and dynamic. Themes of sexuality, technology, and social progress were expressed throughout the decade of art and literature. Artists and writers experimented with new themes and styles.

Art Art Deco was the artistic movement that flourished during the 1920s. Not only did this movement apply to art, but also applied to architecture, furnishings, and advertisements. Art Deco was minimalized and streamlined. The Chrysler Building and the Empire State Building are prime examples of Art Deco in architecture. The style often held bold geometric shapes, vibrant coloring, and oversized lettering.

Harlem Renaissances Art This movement was artistic and intellectual and was centered in Harlem, New York. The Harlem Renaissances expressed the uniqueness of African-American culture. Because of this movement, artists like Aaron Douglass, Jacob Lawrence, and William Johnson. They created bold and colorful imagery to communicate the African-Americans pride.

Literature In literacy circles, disillusionment followed World War I and caused many writers to focus on the horrors of the war. Other common themes were sexuality and human capacity. F. Scott Fitzgerald was a famous writer during this time. His most famous novel, The Great Gatsby, was published in The novel deals with the issues of the decade and is widely known as a cautionary tale. Ernest Hemingway was another famous writer. He wrote about the war, having witnessed the traumatizing events first hand. Typically he wrote about the struggles of life, courage, and loss.

The Harlem Renaissance also had its own collection of African-American writers. The most known was the novelist and poet, Langston Hughes. Other well-known writers are Jean Toomer, Zora Neale Hurston, James Weldon Johnson and W.E.B. Du Bois.

Citations "American Art, Pop Culture, & Literature of the 1920s." Study. N.p., n.d. Web. "1920s Art." 1920s Art. N.p., n.d. Web. 04 Nov Sinski’s Powerpoint on the 1920s.