One of the most impactful artists of his time, Romare Bearden was associated with a variety of art movements, from social realism to cubism, and the Harlem Renaissance. His legacy as an artist, activist and visionary is currently being celebrated at the Fenimore Art Museum in Cooperstown, New York, in an exhibition drawn from the Romare Bearden Foundation Collection. Presenting a chronological view of Bearden’s evolution as an artist, the show includes a diverse collection of original collage, watercolor, limited edition prints, reproductions and rare archival material, including the artist’s magazine covers and editorial cartoons.
Romare Bearden (1911-1988), Martin Luther King—Mountain Top, 1968. Screen print, 30 x 19½ in. © Romare Bearden Foundation/VAGA at Artists Rights Society (ARS), New York.
Romare Bearden (1911-1988), The Family, 1975. Etching/aquatint, 19½ x 25¾ in. © Romare Bearden Foundation/VAGA at Artists Rights Society (ARS), New York.
“Romare Bearden…used his art to agitate for social change. His work depicted, defined and celebrated the life that surrounded him…This exhibition covers war, struggle [and] strife alongside ritual, music and family joy,” says Julia Madore, director of exhibitions at Fenimore Art Museum. “Although Bearden could have passed for white, he embraced his identity as a Black man and used his art as an expression of his life in North Carolina and Harlem as well as his work in the Civil Rights Movement and in supporting emerging Black artists. In his activism in the Civil Rights Movement, he sought to find the most effective role for artists, a role which he defined as do everything in one’s power not just to protest a failed world but to depict one where community, responsibility and love are real. This is where the impact of the exhibition lies: while Bearden’s work does depict the difficulties of Black American life, it is also a testament to the joy, friendship, hope and love that is woven into every aspect of his life, art and activism.”
Romare Bearden (1911-1988), Baptism, 1975. Screen print, 40 x 51 in.
Romare Bearden (1911-1988), Roots (Odyssey), 1977. Screen print, 24 x 18 in. © Romare Bearden Foundation/VAGA at Artists Rights Society (ARS), New York.
Highlights include pieces like Martin Luther King—Mountain Top, Baptism, Slave Ship, The Family, Introduction to a Blues Queen (Uptown at Savoy) and more.
The exhibition also aims to introduce Bearden to a new audience, as one of the most important American artists in the 20th century, particularly during the Civil Rights Movement. “His art covers topics like history, politics, classic literature and family life, and through it, he shows the ebb and flow of life, relationships and emotions. Visitors should leave the exhibit with an appreciation and understanding for Bearden’s artistry and activism and how he depicted such a wide span of Black American experience,” says Madore.
Romare Bearden: Artist – Activist – Visionary is on view through December 31, 2025. —
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