Going to Church 1941

"Going to Church" (1941) by William H. Johnson depicts a simple yet evocative scene of a family traveling to church in a horse-drawn cart. The bold, flat colors and simplified forms are characteristic of Johnson's style, known as "naive" or "primitive" art. This style, often used by self-taught artists, emphasizes a direct and uncluttered visual language. The composition is balanced, with the figures in the cart serving as the focal point, while the church and other details in the background provide context and establish the rural setting. The work is a celebration of African American life and faith, capturing the essence of a community gathering for worship.