A new exhibition at the Spencer Museum of Art at the University of Kansas explores the life and death of abolitionist John Brown, as interpreted by acclaimed black modernist Jacob Lawrence. “Jacob Lawrence and the Legend of John Brown” features a series of 22 prints created in 1974. Lawrence’s series includes events from Brown’s time in Kansas, where he first used violence in his quest to rid the country of slavery. Rather than depict these violent attacks against slaveholders, Lawrence focuses instead on Brown’s fundraising and organizing for the abolitionist cause.
Lawrence paints important figures from black history as subjects for his art. In addition to the John Brown series, Lawrence painted Frederick Douglass and Harriet Tubman. Lawrence is best known for his work depicting everyday life for black Americans. In 1942 when segregation was still legal, he became the first African American whose artwork was acquired by the Museum of Modern Art.
Several events are scheduled in conjunction with the exhibit, including local John Brown impersonator, Kerry Altenbernd, who will visit on May 9th, John Brown’s birthday to answer questions about the abolitionist’s time in Kansas.
