The Blind Singer c. 1945

Curator: This painting, attributed to William Henry Johnson, is titled "The Blind Singer." Editor: It feels so immediate, doesn't it? The colors practically vibrate off the canvas with this simple, blocky style. It evokes a sense of joyful resilience. Curator: Johnson simplified his forms considerably after embracing a folk art aesthetic. He chose to depict African American life with this directness. The figures here, though simplified, feel very dignified. Editor: I'm struck by the symbolism of the blind singer as a conduit of cultural memory. Music transcends sight, doesn't it? A potent way to connect past and present struggles and triumphs. Curator: Absolutely. These musicians were key figures in the cultural and social life of their communities, and Johnson ensures their visibility. Editor: The way Johnson deploys the colors—bold blues, greens, and yellows—it feels like a visual melody in itself, one that lingers long after you've left the gallery. Curator: I'm glad you mentioned that. It speaks to the enduring cultural power of this vibrant work.