Meaning: Jacob Lawrence, a renowned African American painter, printmaker, and educator, once said, "When the subject is strong, simplicity is the only way to treat it." This quote encapsulates Lawrence's artistic philosophy and approach to visual storytelling. Born in 1917 in Atlantic City, New Jersey, Lawrence became known for his dynamic and poignant depictions of African American life and history. His quote speaks to the power of simplicity in conveying complex and profound subjects, reflecting his own artistic style and the themes he explored throughout his career.

Lawrence's artistic career began to gain recognition in the 1930s, and he is best known for his "Migration Series," a collection of 60 paintings that depict the mass movement of African Americans from the rural South to the urban North following World War I. His distinctive style, characterized by bold colors, geometric shapes, and a focus on the human figure, allowed him to capture the essence of the migration experience with striking clarity and emotional resonance.

The quote, "When the subject is strong, simplicity is the only way to treat it," speaks to Lawrence's belief that powerful and profound subjects require a straightforward and unembellished approach. In his own work, Lawrence often used simplified forms and compositions to convey the intensity of human experiences, such as struggle, resilience, and hope. By distilling complex narratives into essential elements, he was able to communicate the strength and significance of his subjects with remarkable impact.

Lawrence's emphasis on simplicity also aligns with the principles of modernism, a movement that sought to streamline artistic expression and break away from traditional academic conventions. As a leading figure in the Harlem Renaissance, Lawrence was influenced by the modernist ethos of prioritizing directness and clarity in artistic communication. His quote reflects the modernist belief that art should be accessible and relatable, even when addressing weighty and profound themes.

Furthermore, the quote can be interpreted as a testament to the universal language of art. Regardless of the specific subject matter, Lawrence's words emphasize the transcendent power of simplicity in art as a means of connecting with viewers on a deep and intuitive level. By distilling complex subjects into their essential components, artists can create works that resonate across diverse audiences and cultural contexts.

In addition to his visual art, Lawrence was also a storyteller, using his work to narrate the experiences and struggles of African Americans throughout history. His quote underscores the idea that storytelling, whether through visual art, literature, or other forms of expression, is most effective when it is clear, direct, and free from unnecessary embellishments. This approach allowed Lawrence to convey the strength and resilience of his subjects in a way that transcended language and cultural barriers.

Ultimately, Jacob Lawrence's quote, "When the subject is strong, simplicity is the only way to treat it," encapsulates his commitment to harnessing the power of simplicity in art to illuminate the depth and significance of profound subjects. Through his own work and enduring legacy, Lawrence exemplifies the ability of art to communicate universal truths with clarity and emotional resonance.