Final answer:
The Harlem Renaissance's arts were spread via literature, performances, and visual arts, as African Americans migrated from the rural south to urban centers like Harlem. Appreciation of art involved genuine acknowledgment of Black creativity, while appropriation involved misusing their cultural elements. This period's influence persisted, paving the way for future advocacy and the acknowledgment of African American artworks.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Harlem Renaissance was a pivotal period in African American cultural history, characterized by a flourishing of arts and literature that conveyed the richness of the Black experience. This movement was greatly aided by the Great Migration, which saw many African Americans move from rural areas in the south to urban centers like New York City, especially Harlem.
The art of the Harlem Renaissance was spread through various mediums including literature, performances, and visual arts. Public performance spaces, galleries, and the printed word were crucial in disseminating the ideas and creative expressions that emerged. Performers like Josephine Baker and Louis Armstrong, alongside writers such as Langston Hughes and Zora Neale Hurston, broke down racial boundaries by presenting work that defied racial stereotypes and celebrated African American heritage.
However, with the widespread popularity of Harlem Renaissance art, issues of appreciation versus appropriation surfaced. Appreciation was represented by the genuine admiration and acknowledgment of the unique contributions of Black artists, their culture, and their perspectives. Conversely, appropriation occurred when elements of their work were taken without proper credit or understanding, often by those outside the African American community, for personal gain or to perpetuate stereotypes.
The legacy of the Harlem Renaissance continues to influence art and culture to this day, with many African American artists achieving recognition in galleries and through academic positions. The movement also laid the groundwork for future advocacy, like the Civil Rights Movement, and the establishment of spaces dedicated to African American art.