LETTER FROM THE EDITOR

Our zine is all about talent and creativity, so it just made sense to explore a famous time period of talent and creativity. Add Black History month into the mix and we have our theme…

The Harlem Renaissance was a large cultural movement of music, dance, art, fashion, literature, theater and politics in Harlem, Manhattan, New York City, spanning the 1920s1930s. It birthed many African-American & Caribbean-American creatives, who went on to influence countless artists and writers over the years.

You may have even come across some impacts of this era in your everyday life, whether that’s learning one of your favourite artists performed at the Cotton Club (Ella Fitzgerald, Nat King Cole, Louis Armstrong, etc), seeing how Aaron Douglas’ unique art style inspires animators of our time (ex. “Almost There” scene from The Princess and the Frog - 2009), or noticing that the blazer in your closet is beginning to look like part of a zoot suit.

It’s not possible to showcase the entire era in these pages, so we opted for a snapshot view based on your interests. As the cover hints, music was what our contributors were drawn to the most. Inside you’ll find a jazzy jukebox, art covers based on tunes from the period, takes on popular art styles from the time and even some poems from famous writers.

The goal of this issue was to explore a celebration of black culture and its influences on society!

Cue the lights and let’s start the show,

Crystal Chambers Editor-In-Chief.

Table Of Contents

Harlem Renaissance Spotify Playlist by the WatIsZine? Team

Your World by Georgia Douglas Johnson

Crazy Blues, Mamie Smith by Anonymous

Untitled by Yuzuko

Juke Box Love Song by Langston Hughes

Aaron Douglas Artwork Gallery

Common Dust by Georgia Douglas Johnson

Album Cover Art Challenge by the WatIsZine? Art Team

WIP Pages from the WatIsZine? Art Team

Credits & Contributors

More

By Anonymous

Mamie Smith made headlines as the first African American artist to record a Blues song with 'Crazy Blues’ in 1920.

Yuzuko talks about this being their first time trying this era’s art style. They mainly found inspiration from Aaron Douglas who was one of the most prominent muralists and illustrators of the era. His works combined art deco, cubism and historical African art to depict both celebrations and struggles. His unique rhythmic style became a signature of the era and went on to inspire many more just like Yuzuko.

Contributors

Yuzuko

Yuzuko started her digital art journey during the pandemic and loves using it as a mechanism to destress and stay focused during class :P She draws inspiration from her favourite tv shows, musicians, and fellow artists and aims to develop a distinct art style along the way. Follow along on her journey @yuzukoart on Instagram!

Credits

Gradient Background by MagicPattern https://unsplash.com/photos/4fF44tm4hpM

Gradient Background by Nicholas Ergemla https://unsplash.com/photos/NIZvtxMVjWk

Aaron Douglas’art on Wikiart https://www.wikiart.org/en/aaron-douglas https://www.wikiart.org/en/aaron-douglas/congo-1928 https://www.wikiart.org/en/aaron-douglas/song-of-the-towers1934 https://www.wikiart.org/en/aaron-douglas/building-more-state ly-mansions-1944