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Then and Now: A Photographic Journey Celebrating the Harlem Renaissance Centennial.

By Ayelet Danielle Aldouby, Social Practice Curator 

Celebrating a community’s heritage with Artist Maren Hassinger and 7th graders from Teachers College Community School (TCCS).

“A glimpse of Harlem’s past, a light for Harlem’s future”[1]

During the 1920’s and 1930’s Harlem’s artistic, musical, literary and intellectual flowering fostered a new black cultural identity. The multi-session art collaboration between Harlem-based artist Maren Hassinger and the 7th grade at TCCS was created on the occasion of Harlem’s centennial celebration. 

The photographic journey highlights Harlem’s historical past manifested through street scenes, churches and theaters. Archival photographs researched at the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture established a historical reference of time and place while students photographed the current sites to create a connection between the past and the present, reflecting on the differences and similarities. 

 “Looking at the past can help shed light on the present and inspire for the future. The project aims to envision places of learning beyond the classroom, carving a meaningful role for art education in students’ lives.”                                                       Maren Hassinger                                                                                          

The collaboration was initiated by social practice curator Ayelet Danielle Aldouby & the Art and Art education program, Teachers College, Columbia University. Special thanks to Brian Jones and Michael Mery at the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture, Katy Maiolatesi (TCCS Liaison) and Ann Lattner (Social Studies Teacher).

[1] “A Ballad for Harlem” exhibit, Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture.