Underground Railroad 1945

William H. Johnson painted this work titled, Underground Railroad, with oil on canvas, and his approach to mark-making feels almost like he’s building with simple shapes, one on top of another. The canvas is packed with figures and movement. The paint isn't trying to trick you into thinking it’s anything other than paint; it's laid on thick, and you can almost feel the texture. Look closely at the faces. See how he uses color to define each unique character, a symphony of browns, blacks, and creams. The figures feel like blocks of color carefully arranged, each one essential to the overall rhythm of the piece. Johnson’s work, particularly in this style, is a reminder that art doesn’t need to be complicated to be profound. You might think about the work of Jacob Lawrence, another artist who captured the Black experience with a similar directness and power. Art is a conversation, and Johnson speaks volumes.