William H. Johnson’s World on Paper
William H. Johnson, Blind Singer, ca. 1939-1940, screenprint on paper, Smithsonian American Art Museum
The Smithsonian American Art Museum holds the largest and most complete collection of work by the African American modernist William H. Johnson (1901 – 1970) and has done much in the past 30 years to preserve his art and establish his reputation. “William H. Johnson’s World on Paper” thoroughly examines, for the first time, the artist’s involvement with printmaking.
Description
Now, these never-before-exhibited prints by the artist reveal him to be as powerful with graphic media as with oils and tempera. Johnson's distinctive work uses bold compositions and bright colors, and his woodcuts are strongly influenced by German Expressionist art. Joann Moser, the museum's senior curator for graphic arts, selected more than 40 prints from the permanent collection for this special exhibition. An expanded version of the exhibition traveled to three venues in 2007.
Visiting Information
Credit
"William H. Johnson's World on Paper" is organized and circulated by the Smithsonian American Art Museum. The exhibition tour is supported in part by the C. F. Foundation, Atlanta.
Online Gallery
Artists
By almost any standard, William H. Johnson (1901–1970) can be considered a major American artist. He produced hundreds of works in a virtuosic, eclectic career that spanned several decades as well as several continents.