What was the main artistic movement during the Harlem Renaissance?

The main artistic movement during the Harlem Renaissance was characterized by jazz and literature that celebrated African American culture. This vibrant period, which spanned the 1920s, was marked by a flourishing of artistic expression that focused on the experiences, struggles, and joys of African Americans. Jazz music, with its deep roots in African American history, emerged as a defining sound of this era, influencing not only music but also poetry and literature.

Writers like Langston Hughes, Zora Neale Hurston, and Claude McKay articulated the African American experience through their works, exploring themes of identity, social justice, and cultural pride. This renaissance was not limited to literature and music; it also included visual arts, theater, and dance, all of which contributed to a broader cultural awakening.

In contrast, other movements like pop art, abstract expressionism, and realism do not encapsulate the essence of the Harlem Renaissance. These movements emerged either later or addressed different themes, thus highlighting the unique cultural and historical significance of the Harlem Renaissance as a pivotal moment in American artistic history that focused specifically on the African American experience.