African American Art

William H. Johnson, Children Playing London Bridge

William H. Johnson is an African American artist whose painting “Children Playing London Bridge” explores his memories of growing up in South Carolina.  Much of Johnson’s later work portrayed African American everyday life using bright colors and simplified, heavy outlined forms.  He used this art form to characterize black life in both rural and urban settings.  Johnson’s piece is type of reflection of his own past and experience and speaks of honesty and simplicity that is not lacking in integrity as he paints children at play.