Archibald Motley: Black Belt
Chicago’s Bronzeville neighbourhood is alive with Jazz Age glam in Archibald Motley’s Black Belt. Motley sought social change through works that he hoped would speak across racial divides—depicting the diversity of black experiences, portraying intersecting social classes, and drawing from highly recognisable cinematic techniques. Through these, he painted modern American life.
Description
Chicago’s Bronzeville neighbourhood is alive with Jazz Age glam in Archibald Motley’s Black Belt. Motley sought social change through works that he hoped would speak across racial divides—depicting the diversity of black experiences, portraying intersecting social classes, and drawing from highly recognisable cinematic techniques. Through these, he painted modern American life.
