Archival pigment print, framed
#2/5 (Ed. 5 + 2AP)
30×30 in.
76.2×76.2 cm.
Copyright The Artist
Carolee Prince
June 15, 1915, April 10, 1964.
Carolee Prince was a New York City-based jeweler and artist whose influential work flourished from the mid-1950s to the late 1960s. Deeply connected to the cultural and artistic renaissance in Harlem, she played a significant role in the African Jazz-Art Society & Studios (AJASS), a collective central to the “Black is Beautiful” movement. This movement celebrated Black identity, culture, and pride, challenging Eurocentric standards of beauty and representation.
Prince often collaborated with prominent figures in the AJASS community, most notably photographer Kwame Brathwaite, who used his lens to spotlight the movement’s ethos. Her handcrafted beadwork, inspired by African traditions, became a recurring feature in Brathwaite’s photography, seamlessly blending art and cultural heritage. These striking string-beaded creations exemplified her ability to merge aesthetics with a celebration of African heritage, making her work a cornerstone of this era’s artistic expression.
Carolee Prince passed away leaving behind a profound legacy that continues to influence the worlds of art, jewelry design, and cultural identity. Her work, deeply rooted in the celebration of African heritage and the “Black is Beautiful” movement, remains an enduring symbol of cultural pride and artistic excellence. Prince’s contributions to the African Jazz-Art Society & Studios (AJASS) and her collaborations with figures like Kwame Brathwaite positioned her as a key figure in mid-20th-century Black cultural renaissance.
Prince’s creations, particularly her intricate beadwork, have been celebrated globally for their artistic and cultural significance. Today, her works are displayed in prestigious museums and galleries, including the Smithsonian Institution, the Museum of Arts and Design, and other institutions dedicated to preserving and showcasing the history and evolution of Black art. These exhibitions highlight her unique ability to blend traditional African aesthetics with modern artistic practices, ensuring her influence is recognized by new generations of artists and admirers.
Her honors include posthumous recognition in retrospectives and exhibitions that underscore her contributions to art, fashion, and cultural movements. Prince’s work continues to be studied and celebrated in academic and artistic circles, cementing her role as a pioneer whose impact transcends her era. Through her designs, she not only adorned but also empowered, leaving an indelible mark on the cultural history of the 20th century.