Decorating the White House with Smithsonian Art
Continuing a Washington tradition, the Obamas selected artwork from the Smithsonian collections to hang in their historic home
- By Abby Callard
- Smithsonian.com, August 04, 2009
(William H. Johnson / Smithsonian American Art Museum)
William H. Johnson
c. 1944
Oil on plywood
Smithsonian American Art Museum
The work of William H. Johnson, born in rural Florence, South Carolina, at the turn of the 20th century, was heavily influenced by the Expressionist art of Northern Europe. After living in Europe for years, Johnson returned to the United States to flee the Nazi threat. “When he returned, he dropped the illusion of high art,” American Art Museum director Elizabeth Broun says. “He resolved to change his style. He wanted to paint the story of his people. He painted a number of things that relate to what he saw as the black experience.” Johnson’s new simplified style featured bright colors and flattened images.
Although Johnson had a tragic career—he spent the last 23 years of his life in a mental institution—the works chosen by the Obama White House are vibrant pieces that encapsulate the African-American experience. "Everything that they've picked is on the upbeat side, life enhancing pieces," says Broun.
Comments (5)
Am hunting a picture of an Indian Lady Sarah Brandon that my grandmother told me had hung in the White house as she was My grandmothers grandmother any information you can give me on this would be very helpful.
Posted by Cheri Mikes on August 4,2010 | 11:12 PM
Regarding these comments about Alma Thomas'"Watusi", I am reminded of the comment attributed to Pablo Picasso that, "the bad artists imitate, the great artists steal." Thomas' work here is a transformation of the Matisse painting. There is power in the decision to reverse colors and to change perspective from "L'escargot,"giving "Watusi" integrity to stand on its own as a distinctive piece.
Posted by Marshall Waddell on October 15,2009 | 04:11 PM
And just how much did the taxpayers of the United States contribute to this artist for this counterfeit "art"?
Will the Smithsonian be issuing a Correction in the next issue?
What a disgrace.
Posted by EPR on October 14,2009 | 10:56 PM
This painting is a direct copy (rotated 90 degrees) of Henri Matisse, L'escargot.
The comment that the artist is "trying to mix together different styles such as Henri Matisse’s cutouts" was an understatement!
This "work" if you want to call it "art" does not belong in a national museum!
The artist seems to be a bit of a scam artist rather than someone with real talent.
Posted by DEW on October 8,2009 | 07:30 PM
This isn't just "mixing together" influences including Matisse. It is a direct copy of a Matisse work, just rotated 90 degrees and with the colors switched around:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/strifu/2205522821
Posted by MDC on August 4,2009 | 01:27 AM