“Harlem Street Scene with Full Moon,” created by William H. Johnson in 1940, belongs to the Expressionism and Naïve Art (Primitivism) movements and falls under the genre of cityscape. The artwork captures an urban scene with a prominent full moon casting its glow over the cityscape.
In this artwork, William H. Johnson portrays a street scene during the night, illuminated by the presence of a full moon hovering above the horizon. The composition showcases tall buildings on either side of the street, rendered with simple geometric forms and an expressive, somewhat stylized approach characteristic of Naïve Art. The buildings, painted in earth tones with stark windows, create a sense of depth and structure. The street features vintage cars in motion, suggesting an active, vibrant urban environment. The moon’s bright yellow contrasts sharply with the subdued hues of the buildings and the deep blue of the night sky, emphasizing its presence as a focal point in the scene. The overall aesthetic conveys a sense of serenity and quiet beauty, capturing the essence of a moonlit night in Harlem through the lens of Expressionism and Primitivism.
