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William H Johnson Gallery |
Little Girl in Orange
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Street Musicians
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Jitterbugs (III)
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Enter Gallery
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Gallery Description
William.H.Johnson (1901-1970)
William.H.Johnson was a brilliant artist who faced the brunt of racism; it was not until his death that his works got the due recognition they deserved. He is probably one artist who has had such a tragic life that the mental illness that afflicted him in his final years was natural and expected.
Johnson, from his childhood days lived a life of poverty. It was during his school times that a teacher found him copying cartoons and gave him the supplies to start creating art. Johnson not only showed interest in painting and drawing but was also brilliant at it. At 18, Johnson moved to Carolina in search of work. After working for several years he saved money and enrolled himself study art at the National Academy of Design. He did very well here and won several awards and prizes and also the attention of Charles Hawthorne. It was Hawthorne who helped him in his work and also arranged for finance for Johnson’s study in Europe.
In 1926, Johnson reached Paris where he was deeply influence by the expressionist movement. This became his style of painting from then and he had to his credits many exhibitions. Johnson’s work was emotional and intense and strongly expressionist in style but it did not get the recognition it deserved. During this time he met two important people in his life, Henry Turner- the Afro-American painter who was a great influence, and his Wife who was an important force in his life. He traveled far and wide in Europe and realised that it was a difficult place to succeed in, especially being a black. Hoping to get better attention is America he returned home but only met failures and insults.
He went back to Europe, married Holcha Krake and went through a lot of struggle. During this period Johnson began to change his style of painting. From painting landscapes and people in a full-brushed style, he moved on to using bright and contrasting colors and 2-dimensional figures and objects. He began painting African-American experiences, people, life style with a religious theme; his paintings showed a sense of serenity. With the death of his wife, Johnson moved to his hometown and stayed with his family. He was mentally afflicted and had to give up painting.
Worldimages brings you a collection of this brilliant yet largely underrated, unrecognized artist. Check out our gallery of Johnson’s paintings.
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Thursday, August, 21 st
2008
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