Harlem Street Scene with Full Moon 1940

"Harlem Street Scene with Full Moon" (1940) by William H. Johnson is a vibrant depiction of a nighttime street scene in Harlem. Johnson, known for his bold colors and simplified forms, captures the energy of the neighborhood with flat planes of color and geometric shapes. The large, yellow moon dominates the sky, casting a warm glow on the buildings and the street below. The scene features a line of cars driving down the street, which adds a sense of movement to the composition. This painting exemplifies Johnson's artistic style, which combined influences from African American folk art, European modernism, and his own experiences growing up in Harlem.