The artwork entitled “Underground Railroad” was created by artist William H. Johnson in the year 1945. This piece belongs to the Naïve Art (Primitivism) movement and is categorized as a symbolic painting.
The artwork is a vivid and symbolic representation of the Underground Railroad, characterized by a naive style of painting. It depicts various scenes and figures associated with the historical network that helped enslaved African Americans escape to freedom. The piece is marked by its bold colors and simplified forms, typical of the Naïve Art movement. The figures appear with exaggerated features and are presented in a non-linear composition, reflecting the urgency and chaos of the time. Numerous individuals are depicted in different vignettes, including actions like running, hiding, and aiding the escapees. The background includes symbolic references, such as stars and a red sun, which might signify guidance and bloodshed respectively. The overall composition conveys a powerful narrative of struggle, cooperation, and hope.
