Get the War Going 1942

William H. Johnson made this painting, "Get the War Going," with fluid strokes of tempera or gouache on paper. Johnson's direct approach to painting is evident in the way he applied color and form, flattening the composition, and simplifying figures. The figures in the foreground are Black soldiers manning a canon. The scenes depict a racially segregated vision of warfare, reflecting Johnson's awareness of social issues like labor and class, specifically the roles assigned to Black soldiers. He created a raw, intentionally crude picture with direct colors, and unsophisticated lines, but infused with a sophisticated viewpoint. Johnson here challenges the expectations associated with fine art. The painting evokes the urgency and directness of folk art traditions. By embracing such a style, Johnson imbues his work with layers of cultural significance and reconsiders hierarchies of visual expression. Ultimately, the materials and processes used by Johnson contribute to the emotional impact of the artwork.