This exhibition provides a comprehensive overview of influential American artist Jacob Lawrence (1917-2000). Lawrence was primarily concerned with the narration of African American experiences and histories. His acute observations of community life, work, struggle and emancipation during his lifetime were rendered alongside vividly imagined chronicles of the past. The past and present in his work are intrinsically linked, providing insight into the social, economic and political realities that continue to impact and shape contemporary society today.

Featuring more than 90 works produced between 1963 and 2000, the exhibition focuses on his graphic work and explores three major themes of his printmaking oeuvre. Lawrence’s recording and recollection of African-American and larger African diasporic histories are featured, as well as his vivid observations of the dynamic city life in his native Harlem, New York City. Works in the exhibition span from 1963 to 2000 and include significant complete print portfolios, such as the “Toussaint L’Ouverture” series, as well as “The Legend of John Brown” series, amongst others.

History, Labor, Life: The Prints of Jacob Lawrence is curated by Storm Janse van Rensburg, SCAD head curator of exhibitions. The exhibition is organized by the SCAD Museum of Art and is made possible with support from the Jacob and Gwendolyn Lawrence Foundation.