Josephine Baker could be considered the first Black superstar. Born in Missouri in 1906, her childhood was defined by racial segregation and violence. At the age of 16 she joined a dance troupe from Philadelphia and travelled around the United States before moving to Paris in 1925 to dance at the Théâtre des Champs-Élysées, where she enraptured audiences with her performances. The Bundeskunsthalle in Bonn takes an in-depth look at Baker’s life, including her work for the French Resistance and campaigning for civil rights in the United States (18 May–24 September). Highlights include photographs of her many performances in Paris as well as works that were inspired by her, by artists such as Paul Klee. Find out more on the Bundeskunsthalle’s website.
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Josephine Baker at her last gala in Paris (1956). Photo: © bpk/Maurice Zalewski/adoc-photos
Josephine Baker and Jo Bouillon at the Domaine Les Milandes, Castelnaud-la-Chapelle, with their children (1956). Photo: © bpk/Maurice Zalewski/adoc-photos
Josephine Baker (c. 1940). Image: © bpk/adoc-photos