Jacob Lawrence
1917–2000
Videos
Audio
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Jacob Lawrence, War Series, 1946–47
Stop 823 from America Is Hard to See
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Jacob Lawrence, War Series, 1946–47
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Narrator: Artist Jacob Lawrence.
Jacob Lawrence: This is owned by the Whitney Museum of American Art—it’s the War Series. There are 14 paintings in the series, and these are several of those paintings.
Narrator: Lawrence’s War Series originated during his service on a World War Two navy transport ship. It depicts a range of emotional experiences, from the fear and confusion of combat to the tragedy of loss. Lawrence made a point of showing black and white servicemen together. This reflects part of his experience in World War II. He served with the US Coast Guard, which was then part of the navy.
Jacob Lawrence: I served on the USS Sea Cloud, which was a weather patrol ship, and I served on the United States Richardson, which was a troop transport.
Narrator: Like most African American sailors, Lawrence was initially classified as a steward’s mate—essentially, a servant for white officers. But his first captain, Lieutenant Commander Carlton Skinner, made his ship, the Sea Cloud the first fully integrated vessel in the US Navy. Captain Skinner helped Lawrence obtain a public relations rating. This allowed him to paint on duty, as ship’s artist.
Lawrence began the War Series soon after he was discharged in December, 1945. It was his way of coming to terms with what he’d witnessed. If you’d like to hear more about his experience, tap the button to continue.
Exhibitions
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Vida Americana: Mexican Muralists Remake American Art, 1925–1945
Feb 17, 2020–Jan 31, 2021
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The Whitney’s Collection: Selections from 1900 to 1965
On view
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Where We Are: Selections from the Whitney’s Collection, 1900–1960
Apr 28, 2017–June 2, 2019
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The Whitney's Collection
Sept 28, 2015–Apr 4, 2016
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America Is Hard to See
May 1–Sept 27, 2015
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American Legends: From Calder to O’Keeffe
Dec 22, 2012–June 29, 2014
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Modern Life: Edward Hopper and His Time
Oct 28, 2010–Apr 10, 2011
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Jacob Lawrence's
Migration Series: Selections from the Phillips CollectionNov 21, 2007–Jan 6, 2008
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Modernisms
Aug 29, 2007–Jan 13, 2008
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Full House: Views of the Whitney’s Collection at 75
June 29–Sept 3, 2006
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Over the Line: The Art and Life of Jacob Lawrence
May 25, 2001–Jan 30, 2003
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Highlights from the Permanent Collection: From Hopper to Mid-Century
Feb 25, 2000–May 20, 2006
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1972 Annual Exhibition: Contemporary American Painting
Jan 25–Mar 19, 1972
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1969 Annual Exhibition: Contemporary American Painting
Dec 16, 1969–Feb 1, 1970
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1965 Annual Exhibition of Contemporary American Painting
Dec 8, 1965–Jan 30, 1966
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Annual Exhibition 1963: Contemporary American Painting
Dec 11, 1963–Feb 2, 1964
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Annual Exhibition 1961: Contemporary American Painting
Dec 13, 1961–Feb 4, 1962
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1958 Annual Exhibition: Sculpture, Paintings, Watercolors, Drawings
Nov 19, 1958–Jan 4, 1959
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1957 Annual Exhibition: Sculpture, Paintings, Watercolors
Nov 20, 1957–Jan 12, 1958
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1954 Annual Exhibition of Contemporary American Sculpture, Watercolors and Drawings
Mar 17–Apr 18, 1954
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1953 Annual Exhibition of Contemporary American Sculpture, Watercolors and Drawings
Apr 9–May 29, 1953
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1952 Annual Exhibition of Contemporary American Sculpture, Watercolors and Drawings
Mar 13–May 4, 1952
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1951 Annual Exhibition of Contemporary American Sculpture, Watercolors and Drawings
Mar 17–May 6, 1951
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1950 Annual Exhibition of Contemporary American Sculpture, Watercolors and Drawings
Apr 1–May 28, 1950
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1949 Annual Exhibition of Contemporary American Sculpture, Watercolors and Drawings
Apr 2–May 8, 1949
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1948 Annual Exhibition of Contemporary American Sculpture, Watercolors and Drawings
Jan 31–Mar 21, 1948
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1947 Annual Exhibition of Contemporary American Sculpture, Watercolors and Drawings
Mar 11–Apr 17, 1947
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1946 Annual Exhibition of Contemporary American Sculpture, Watercolors and Drawings
Feb 5–Mar 13, 1946
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1945 Annual Exhibition of Contemporary American Sculpture, Watercolors and Drawings
Jan 3–Feb 8, 1945
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1943 Annual Exhibition of Contemporary American Art
Nov 23, 1943–Jan 4, 1944