Jitterbugs (II) 1941

"Jitterbugs (II)" (1941) by William H. Johnson is a bold and colorful depiction of a jazz musician, likely a trumpeter, performing. The painting utilizes simplified forms and vivid colors, characteristic of Johnson's style, which is often classified as Primitive or Folk Art. Johnson, a prominent African American artist, focused on celebrating black life and culture in his work, contributing significantly to the Harlem Renaissance movement. This painting captures the energy and joy of the jazz scene in a playful and expressive manner.