VanDerZee photos of Harlem Renaissance at Sheldon through Dec. 17
Released on 10/05/2006, at 2:00 AM
Office of University Communications
University of Nebraska–Lincoln
WHERE: Sheldon Memorial Art Gallery, 12th and R Streets
Eighteen prints, representing a cross-section of photographer James VanDerZee's work in the 1920s and 1930s, are on exhibit at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln's Sheldon Memorial Art Gallery now through Dec. 17.
A superlative studio photographer, VanDerZee (1886-1983) captured the spirit and energy of life in Harlem during the early 20th century. With his second wife, Gaynella, he opened a photo studio in 1916 and quickly established himself as Harlem's preeminent photographer. He photographed successful African-American families and celebrities in carefully staged portraits, using costumes, furniture and painted backdrops to achieve an aura of glamour. He also photographed landmarks, parades, funerals and social clubs.
VanDerZee's business declined as did Harlem after World War II. He was nearly destitute before his collection was discovered and shown in the Metropolitan Museum of Art in 1969. His work won widespread attention during the 1970s and has been the subject of numerous exhibitions and scholarship. The James VanDerZee Photographic Collections are at The Studio Museum in Harlem.
This exhibition of prints held in the Sheldon's collection is presented in conjunction with professor Patrick Jones' course, "Americans in the Jazz Age," at UNL this fall.
The Philip Johnson-designed Sheldon Memorial Art Gallery houses a permanent collection of more than 12,000 objects focusing on American art. The museum, located at 12th and R streets on the UNL campus, is open to the public Tuesday through Sunday. Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Friday, and noon to 5 p.m. on Sunday. Admission is free. For information or to arrange a tour, please call (402) 472-2461. Additional information is available on the museum Web site, www.sheldon.unl.edu.
The link below is to a black-and-white JPEG image of a James VanDerZee photograph, "Couple in Raccoon Coats."
CONTACT: Tom White, Marketing Manager, Sheldon Art Gallery, (402) 472-1197