Roy DeCarava
1919–2009 · United States
Giving depth to shadows.
The story
Roy DeCarava photographed African American life in New York, especially Harlem, with attention to everyday gestures and spaces. His images of jazz musicians preserve the atmosphere of places of work and exchange. He used subtle dark gradations rather than consistently bright description. His books and teaching asserted an artistic practice that rejected simplistic representations of the Black community.
Understanding the work
Allow details to emerge from the shadows. Observe contact between people and how a range of greys can convey atmosphere, rhythm and intimacy.
Key works and series
The Sweet Flypaper of Life, with Langston Hughes; The Sound I Saw; Harlem.
Sources & further exploration
Works in collections.
10 recordsPhotographs to explore on museum and library websites, with titles, dates and processes. Each link opens the collection record and its image where one is available.
