Aspiration

Aspiration by Aaron Douglas was created in 1936 during the Harlem Renaissance. The painting represents the path of African American people from the chains of slavery to the city on the hill. The Harlem Renaissance was a new age for African Americans as they reached toward equality in the United States. The Harlem Renaissance was the first time African Americans felt they had a voice and each aspired to be something better but attaining an education and success on "the hill". The 3 people featured in the painting are showing the want and trying of moving forward, while the hands in chains represent that they will never forget their past. The city on top of the hill is also a focal point, we can tell because the figures attention are directed at it. But, to the left behind the figures there appears to be a storm coming, but they cannot see it. This represents the tough days that are to come, the figures don't know how hard it is going to be to get there but they believe it is possible.