In an exploration of freedom and identity, the exhibition “Brilliant Women in Paris from 1900,” at the National Portrait Gallery delves into the lives of African-American women who ventured into Paris to escape the stringent racial and gender constraints of early 20th-century America. This meticulously curated showcase illuminates the profound impact these pioneers had on both Parisian and American cultures.
The exhibition, curated by Robyn Asleson, highlights how Paris served as a sanctuary where these women could express their talents uninhibited by the prejudices they faced at home.
“As foreigners in the cosmopolitan city, these exiles escaped the constraints that lived in them at home,” Asleson explained, emphasizing the liberation they found in Paris.
Among the highlighted figures is Josephine Baker, whose story is perhaps the most emblematic of the both acceptance and challenges faced by African-American women in Paris. Arriving as a young chorus girl, Baker quickly captivated Paris with her electrifying performances that challenged racial stereotypes while embracing her identity. Her fame in Paris starkly contrasted with the racism she encountered upon her return to the United States, underscoring the unique position Paris occupied for Black Americans.
“Paris offered a respite not only from sexism but also from racism,” Asleson noted, adding that Baker could “live authentic lives without the humiliation and degradation of racist policies.”
The narrative of these women extends beyond Baker, touching on artists like Augusta Savage, Lois Mailou Jones, and Ethel Waters, who found in Paris the freedom to expand their artistic, literary, and performance horizons. Their experiences in Paris were not just of personal liberation but also of profound cultural exchange that enriched the artistic and intellectual movements of the time.
However, the representation of African-American women in portraiture presents its own challenges. Asleson shared her frustration about the lack of traditional portraiture available for many of these influential figures, which limited their visual presence in historical narratives.
“There aren’t paintings and sculptures of these women. They’re photographs or works on paper,” she said, highlighting the ongoing need to elevate these figures within the artistic canon.
Kim Sajet, the director of the National Portrait Gallery, emphasized the importance of inclusivity in portraiture.
“We really want to tell the stories of everybody,” Sajet stated, highlighting the museum’s decade-long focus on diversifying the narratives represented in its collections. This commitment is particularly poignant in “Brilliant Women in Paris from 1900,” which showcases how Paris served as a pivotal arena for African-American women to assert their agency and creativity.
This exhibition does more than recount the history of African-American women in Paris; it invites viewers to reconsider the narratives of modernism and the contributions of Black women to the cultural fabric of both America and Europe. It underscores the ongoing relevance of these stories in today’s conversations about race, gender, and artistic expression.
“Brilliant Women in Paris from 1900,” is not just an exhibition; it is a profound statement on the resilience and creativity of African-American women who, in the face of systemic barriers, reshaped not only their destinies but also the arts and culture of the 20th century.
As it travels from Washington, D.C., to Louisville, Kentucky, and then to the Georgia Museum of Art, the exhibition promises to inspire and educate, highlighting the indelible impact of these pioneering women on the world stage.