Play
Color screen print on paper
22 7/8 x 32 1/8 inches
1999
Now on view: TJC Gallery, Spartanburg, South Carolina
Art of the Athlete Fun Fact:
A reserved child growing up in the city, Lawrence excluded himself from school games. Always the observer, he depicted scenes of everyday life to showcase the joy and vibrancy of his community.
“Jacob Lawrence’s Play takes me back to the joy and connection that made me fall in love with acrobatics and tumbling. As a base, I wasn’t the one flying through the air, but I felt every ounce of the energy it took to make those moments possible—rooted in rhythm, trust, and teamwork. This piece reminds me of the childlike freedom we all still carry—the thrill of movement, the fun in pushing limits, and the quiet strength it takes to lift others up. It’s a beautiful reflection of how both art and athletics are grounded in play.” - Alexis Fowlkes, Acrobatics & Tumbling Head Coach, Converse University