Valerie Grant, CFA, recently visited The Metropolitan Museum of Art (The Met), which is presenting a stunning exhibition honoring a vibrant time in American history: The Harlem Renaissance. This period was a social, cultural, and artistic explosion that took place in the heart of Harlem, New York, in the 1920s and 1930s. Titled “The Harlem Renaissance and Transatlantic Modernism,” this showcase offers a breathtaking collection of works that reflect the creative brilliance and cultural significance of the time.
The creative mind behind the exhibition is Valerie’s colleague, friend, and fellow Harvard Business School alumna Denise Murrell. Dr. Murrell is the Merryl H. and James S. Tisch Curator at Large in The Met’s Director’s Office. With a background in finance and a passion for art history, Dr. Murrell has brought a unique perspective to the exhibition’s curation. She was previously the curator of “Posing Modernity: The Black Model from Manet and Matisse to Today” (October 2018–February 2019) at Columbia University’s Wallach Art Gallery. This exhibition was later expanded and co-curated at the Musée d’Orsay, Paris, as “Le Modèle Noir de Géricault à Matisse” (March–July 2019) and toured as “Le Modèle Noir de Géricault à Picasso” at the Memorial ACTe in Pointe-à-Pitre, Guadeloupe (September–December 2019).
As a Harlem resident and lifelong lover of fine art, Grant cherished her time at The Met exhibit. She shared some of her favorite pieces, which included the following:
Photography: James Van Der Zee “Children at Piano” (1932)
James Van Der Zee possessed an uncanny ability to capture the elegance and dignity of his subjects, a skill showcased in the photo “Children at Piano.” His work documents a moment in time and tells a story of aspiration and culture in the African American community.
Murals: Aaron Douglass’s “Aspiration” (1936) and “Aspects of Negro Life: From Slavery to Reconstruction” (1934)
Known as the “Father of African American Art,” Aaron Douglass created deeply meaningful murals that showcased his profound artistic ability. Two of his pieces featured at The Met, “Aspiration” and “Aspects of Negro Life: From Slavery to Reconstruction,” depict the journey and resilience of African Americans, blending traditional elements with modernist styles.
Portraiture: Winold Reiss and Laura Wheeler Waring
Grant was entranced by a pair of portraits from Winold Reiss at the exhibit: “Two Public School Teachers” (1925) and “W.E.B. DuBois” (1925). The dichotomy of these pieces lies in the subjects. The first showcases two everyday individuals who contributed to their communities while helping enrich others’ lives. The second depicts a prominent figure who contributed greatly to African American culture.
Grant was also very fond of Laura Wheeler Waring’s work, including “James Weldon Johnson” (1943) and “Marian Anderson” (1944). These portraits celebrate individuals who played crucial roles in advancing civil rights and enhancing the entire Harlem Renaissance movement.
Sculpture: Jacob Epstein “Paul Robeson” (1928)
Jacob Epstein’s sculpture of Paul Robeson (1928) represents a powerful tribute to one of the most influential figures of the Harlem Renaissance. Robeson was a multifaceted talent—a singer, actor, and civil rights activist—whose legacy was immortalized in Epstein’s work.
The Harlem Renaissance and Transatlantic Modernism Exhibit: A Must-See
Consider seeing the fruits of Murrell’s hard work and check out some of the pieces that astounded Valerie Grant, CFA. You’ll have an opportunity to immerse yourself in the rich artistic culture of the Harlem Renaissance. Don’t miss it.
About Valerie Grant, CFA
Valerie Grant, CFA, is a Managing Director and Equity Portfolio Manager at a global investment management firm. A thought leader in her industry, Valerie is a sought-after speaker and has been a guest lecturer and presenter at Harvard Law School, the Yale School of Management, and the CFA Institute. She also provides market commentary on CNBC, Bloomberg News, and other media outlets. She is a life member of the Council on Foreign Relations, a trustee at Morehouse College, and a Harvard Business School Alumni Board member. Valerie holds an MBA with high distinction from Harvard Business School and a B.S. in Economics from The Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania.
Published by: Nelly Chavez
