Gettin Religion 1948

"Gettin Religion" (1948) by Archibald Motley Jr., is a vibrant depiction of a bustling street scene in an urban African American neighborhood. The painting, characterized by bold colors and expressive figures, captures the energy of a lively jazz band as they perform in front of a crowd of revelers. Motley's use of blues and purples, along with contrasting highlights of red, evokes the spirit of the blues and the dynamism of African American cultural life in mid-20th century America. This work is a testament to Motley's talent in portraying the rich cultural tapestry of Black life in the United States.