African American Art in the 20th Century: Harlem Renaissance, Civil Rights Era, and Beyond, presents nearly 50 paintings and sculptures by 34 African American artists. These masterpieces explore everyday American themes as well as those specific to the African American experience, including the struggle for economic and civil rights, the beauties and hardships of life in rural and urban America, and the power of art and music. Created in moments of significant social and political change—from the 1920s jazz age to the 1960s civil rights movement and beyond—each work dazzles visually while also shedding light on the complex American story.

The exhibition features artworks by leading 20th-century artists Romare Bearden, Sam Gilliam, Jacob Lawrence, Lois Mailou Jones, Hale Woodruff, and others.

African American Art in the 20th Century is organized by the Smithsonian American Art Museum. The C.F. Foundation in Atlanta supports the museum’s traveling exhibition program, Treasures to Go.

Image: William H. Johnson, Sowing, about 1940. Oil on burlap, 38 1/2 x 45 3/4 inches. Smithsonian American Art Museum, Washington D.C., Gift of the Harmon Foundation