Aaron Douglas was an American painter, illustrator and muralist active in the early to mid 20th century. He was a notable artist among the group collectively identified as the Harlem Renaissance. Much of his work centered on social issues affecting African Americans and often utilized African motifs, as well as Jazz-age imagery and Cubist and Art Deco elements.
What I find particularly fascinating about his work is his use of somewhat Cubist geometric forms within his composition. He has nuanced these in value and chroma to give the appearance of overlapping translucent layers. He utilizes them to suggest beams of light, circles of radiance, stars and other patterns that fit into his narrative.
[Via Dan Dos Santos on Muddy Colors]