Dox Thrash facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Dox Thrash
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| Born | March 22, 1893 Griffin, Georgia, U.S.
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| Died | April 19, 1965 (aged 72) |
| Nationality | American |
| Known for | printmaker, painter |
Dox Thrash (1893–1965) was an important African-American artist. He was known as a talented draftsman, a master printmaker, and a painter. He also helped invent a special printmaking method called Carborundum printmaking. Thrash's artwork often showed scenes from African American life. He worked as a printmaker for the W.P.A. in Philadelphia. He spent most of his career living and working in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
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Early Life and War Service
Dox Thrash was born on March 22, 1893, in Griffin, Georgia. He was one of four children. When he was fifteen, Thrash left home to find work in the northern United States. He was part of the Great Migration (African American), a time when many African Americans moved north for jobs.
His first jobs included working with a circus and a Vaudeville show. In 1911, at age 18, he moved to Chicago, Illinois. He worked as an elevator operator during the day. This job helped him pay for art school. In 1914, he began studying at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago.
In 1917, the United States joined World War I. Thrash, then twenty-four, joined the army in September 1917. He was part of the 365th Infantry Regiment, known as the Buffalo Soldiers. During the war, Thrash experienced trauma from combat and a gas attack. Luckily, he was not permanently injured.
Becoming a Professional Artist
After the war, Thrash received government funding as a veteran. This allowed him to enroll again at the Art Institute of Chicago. After finishing his studies, he traveled between Georgia, Chicago, Boston, New York, and finally Philadelphia. He took many different jobs. These experiences later gave him ideas for his paintings.
By 1925, Thrash settled in Philadelphia and worked as a janitor. In his free time, he continued making art. He created emblems for local businesses and posters for festivals. This helped him become known in the area. By 1929, Thrash was taking evening art classes. He studied with Earl Horter at the Graphic Sketch Club, now called the Samuel S. Fleisher Art Memorial.
Inventing Carborundum Printmaking
In 1937, Thrash joined the Works Progress Administration (WPA)'s Federal Art Project. This was a government program that supported artists during the Great Depression. Through the WPA, Thrash worked at the Fine Print Workshop of Philadelphia. There, Thrash, along with Michael J. Gallagher and Hugh Mesibov, started experimenting. They co-invented the carborundum mezzotint process.
Carborundum printmaking uses a special abrasive material to create images on copper plates. This method can produce prints with many shades, from light gray to deep black. It is similar to the older, more difficult mezzotint process. Thrash used this new technique for most of his career. Many of his best works were made using it. One of his first pieces with this method was a self-portrait called Mr. X.
As they published more prints and showed their work, Thrash, Gallagher, and Mesibov became more famous. Their art often showed subtle comments about social and economic issues. These issues were important during the Great Depression and World War II. By 1940, all three artists were getting attention for their carborundum prints.
Later Years and Legacy
In 1960, Thrash showed his work at the Pyramid Club. This was a social group for Black professional men that held yearly art exhibits. Other artists there included Howard N. Watson and Benjamin Britt.
In his later years, Thrash helped mentor young African American artists. He passed away on April 19, 1965, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. In 2001, almost 40 years after his death, the Philadelphia Museum of Art honored him. They held a major show called Dox Thrash: An African-American Master Printmaker Rediscovered.
Thrash's art was also part of the 2015 exhibition We Speak: Black Artists in Philadelphia, 1920s-1970s. This show was held at the Woodmere Art Museum.
Art and the "New Negro" Movement
Dox Thrash's art was very important during the "New Negro Movement." This movement encouraged African Americans to be proud of their heritage and identity. Thinkers like Alain LeRoy Locke and W. E. B. Du Bois inspired artists to show the true beauty and strength of Black people. They wanted to challenge the negative stereotypes often seen in art at the time.
Showing Black Life and Strength
Thrash used his art to show the real lives and feelings of African Americans. For example, in his print Cabin Days, he shows a Black family on their porch in a rural area. Even though their home looks simple, the family is close and caring. The clean laundry behind them shows their hard work. This artwork highlights the strength and unity of Black families, even when facing tough situations. It shows how they kept their dignity despite challenges like tenant farming in the South.
In his painting A New Day, Thrash shows a Black family moving from the South to the North. This represents the Great Migration. The old farm life fades behind them, while a city appears ahead. Their faces show hope and confidence for a better future. Even the child looks calm and peaceful. Thrash shows that this family is strong and ready for new opportunities. They represent the "New Negro" – people moving forward to improve their lives and demanding respect.
Challenging Stereotypes
Thrash also created portraits that celebrated the intelligence and dignity of Black people. In his print Life, he shows a neatly dressed Black girl reading a newspaper. The light shines on her face, showing her focus. This image helps people see Black children as intelligent and engaged, just like any other child. It challenges old, harmful ideas about Black people.
However, Thrash also showed the challenges faced by African Americans. In his etching Saturday Night, he depicts a woman straightening her hair with a hot iron. This was a common practice, but it also showed how Black women felt pressure to fit into white beauty standards. The woman's tired expression suggests the effort and emotional cost of trying to change one's natural appearance. Thrash's art made people think about these issues and encouraged pride in one's natural self.
Seeing Beauty in Black
W. E. B. Du Bois, another leader of the "New Negro Movement," famously said, "let us train ourselves to see beauty in black." Thrash's portraits helped achieve this goal. He created realistic images of African American faces using his carborundum method. At a time when Black people were often shown in ugly or cartoonish ways, Thrash's tasteful portraits were very powerful.
In his print Marylou, Thrash shows an African American woman's face. The light around her head makes her seem pure and good. This helps the viewer see her beauty and dignity. Her eyes are darkened, making her seem like a symbol for all African American women. This way, Thrash helped people see the beauty in Black features and celebrate Black identity.
See also
