Book Description

This book brings the story of African American artist William H. Johnson (1901-1970) to light. Born in South Carolina, Johnson moved to New York as a teenager to live with his uncle, working as a hotel porter, cook, and stevedore -- and earning admission to the School of the National Academy of Design, where he won almost every student prize available. A trip to Europe became permanent residence after he married Danish textile artist Holcha Krake. He enjoyed wide success until World War II forced the couple to move to New York. After his wife's death Johnson's physical and mental health collapsed and after 1947 he never painted again. Steve Turner traces the fate of Johnson's huge body of work, indifferently managed for him by court-appointed guardians and the Harmon Foundation.