Paris Blues/Jazz Series (1981) – Romare Bearden

A mixed-media collage by Romare Bearden from the Paris Blues/Jazz Series (1981), featuring a black-and-white photograph of two men in a car juxtaposed against a vibrant, abstract drawing of Paris landmarks, including the Eiffel Tower and Notre Dame, with the Mona Lisa in the background.

Romare Bearden’s Paris Blues/Jazz Series (1981) is a dynamic fusion of collage, photography, and painted abstraction, reflecting his deep connection to both Paris and jazz. This composition overlays a striking black-and-white photograph of two men in a car—evoking themes of movement and contemplation—onto a backdrop of loosely sketched Parisian landmarks, including Notre Dame, Sacré-Cœur, and the Eiffel Tower. A portrait of the Mona Lisa hovers above the scene, symbolizing the cultural weight of European art history. Bearden’s bold, expressive strokes in blue and black ink lend the piece a rhythmic, improvisational quality, much like jazz itself—reinforcing the connection between Paris, music, and the African-American expatriate experience.

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