Activity 9 - Period and Culture Essay

April 29, 2007

The artwork of William H. Johnson, an American Harlem Renaissance painter, is known for portraying American culture and more specifically African-American culture. The Harlem Renaissance is an art movement which occurred during the period known as Modern Art. Modern art covers the late 19th century to about 1970 (1). The Harlem Renaissance was known for portraying the culture or way of life for many African-Americans. Johnson’s 1942, painting “Ambulance on the Go”, covers both the American as well as the African-American culture. This painting depicts several Red-Cross ambulances going to the aid of soldiers during World War II. The painting is inspired by Johnson’s patriotism as an American. However, as an African-American there were other issues he may have had to encounter. During this time frame many African-Americans were not able to contribute to the War effort in the same manner as their white counterparts, because of deep segregation in the military (2). So, many African-Americans found alternative methods of contributing and expressing their patriotism. One of those methods was working for volunteer-related services, such as the American Red Cross, to aid our armed forces (3). Johnson most likely was aware of this aspect of African-American culture when he created this artwork.

Winslow Homer, an American painter, was known for painting landscapes, especially coastal landscapes, and farm life (4). Homer’s 1870 painting, “Dinner Horn” falls within the early Modern Art period (1) and depicts the culture of American farm life. Looking at the painting, the woman is calling the field workers in for dinner. The painting suggests that she played a part in preparing the dinner for the field workers. It further suggests that her role was to work in the house (perhaps preparing dinner), while the outdoor workers primary role was to farm the land. These observations point to the roles men and woman played in traditional farm culture.

In comparison, Johnson and Homer’s paintings belong to the same period of Art (Modern), but the cultures were vastly different. Firstly, America was not engaged in a war during the time Homer’s painting was created. Second, Johnson’s painting depicts motor vehicles, which indicates the culture used more advanced technology. Finally, Johnson’s culture came from the African-American point of view, which was not necessarily reflected in Homer’s work.

Citations:
(1) Wikipedia, Art Periods
URL: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Art_periods
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(2) Smithsonian American Art Museum
URL: http://americanart.si.edu/highlights/artworks.cfm?id=GM&StartRow=41
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(3) American Red Cross
URL: http://www.redcross.org/museum/history/ww2a.asp
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(4) Wikipedia, Winslow Homer
URL: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Winslow_Homer
April 29, 2007