In a thrilling tribute to Josephine Baker’s trailblazing performances at the Revue Nègre, a new exhibition has opened at Berlin’s Neue Nationalgalerie.
The show, titled “Josephine Baker: Icon in Motion,” commemorates the centennial of Baker’s breakthrough performances in Paris.
Baker was born in Missouri in 1906, and his voyage to Paris began after a brilliant dance career in New York. Her breakthrough at the Théâtre des Champs-Élysées during La Revue Nègre in 1925 propelled her to stardom, making her one of the few Black dancers to receive national recognition.
Baker’s star continued to increase, and she eventually became the most successful American entertainer in France. She was the first Black woman to star in a major motion picture with the 1927 silent film “Siren of the Tropics.” The show emphasizes her impact on the 1920s, depicting her as an icon of the Jazz Age.
“Josephine Baker: Icon in Motion” provides a multifaceted look at Baker’s life, highlighting her talent in dance, music, movies, and her significant responsibilities as a resistance fighter and civil rights activist. Curated by Dr. Mona Horncastle and film researcher Dr. Terri Francis, the exhibition includes images, videos, and archival objects from Baker’s remarkable career.
Artists such as Le Corbusier, George Hoyningen-Heene, Henri Matisse, Jean-Ulrick Desert, Simone Yvette Leigh, Faith Ringgold, Ines Weizman, Carrie Mae Weems, and Kandis Williams contribute to the exhibition’s historical and present context.
The golden era of Berlin in the 1920s is recalled, with a focus on Baker’s storming impact in “Revue Nègre.” The show gives emphasis on Baker’s rockstar status in Europe, where racial restrictions in the United States created difficulties for Black artists. The curator, Kandice Williams, emphasizes the importance of knowing Baker’s iconic status and artistry, which continue to inspire generations of Black artists and performers.
The exhibition delves deeply into Baker’s life, from her public appearances to her assistance to the French intelligence service during World War II. Baker’s dedication to the civil rights movement in the United States, as well as her unwillingness to perform in front of segregated audiences, strengthens her reputation.
Williams sees Baker as a tremendous inspiration for younger artists, providing an opportunity to reflect on her agency and intentionality in the midst of overwhelming renown. “Josephine Baker. Icon in Motion” enables visitors to explore the various narratives of Baker’s life, making it a must-see show for anybody interested in understanding her lasting legacy.
The show will be open to the public from January 27 to April 28, 2024.