Oil and collage of fabric and paper on Waterford paper, 1996. 565x762 mm; 22¼x30 inches. Signed and dated in acrylic, lower right. Signed, titled, dated and inscribed "22¼"H x 30"W" and "(Langston Hughes Series)" in ink on the frame back. From the Langston Hughes Series.
Exhibited: Works from the Music, Revival and Langston Hughes Series, ACA Gallery, New York, 1997, with a gallery label on the frame back: Provenance: private collection, New York (1997), acquired from ACA Gallery, New York.
This powerful work on paper is an excellent example of Benny Andrews' expressive figurative art, from one of his more celebrated narrative series. Andrews began this series honoring the Harlem Renaissance poet and writer Langston Hughes in 1996 when he rejoined the ACA Gallery. It was shown in his solo exhibition there the following year. Works from this series are in the collections of the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the National Museum of African American History and Culture, Smithsonian Institution.
Andrews wrote the owners, via a March 3, 1997 ACA Gallery letter, a detailed explanation of the significance of this moving subject:
"One of the major themes that Langston Hughes explored in his writings is the Great Migration of African Americans from the South to the North. New Arrival depicts the moment that family members are reunited in Harlem. One of the figures stands, arms out stretched, with his suitcase resting nearby, signalling his recent journey from the South. While the other figure reaches to embrace him and welcome him to his new home. Three children rest on the steps of an apartment building in the background watching the interaction of the adults. These children were born in the North so this reunion does not have the same poignancy for them as it does the adults. This is a moment of celebration, of joy and re-connection with the family as well as a moment of hope for a better life."
