The artwork “Chain Gang,” created by William H. Johnson in 1939, epitomizes the Naïve Art (Primitivism) movement and falls under the genre painting category. This piece showcases Johnson’s distinctive and expressive style, characterized by bold forms and vibrant colors.
In the artwork, three men in black and white striped prison uniforms are depicted working with pickaxes and shovels, seemingly engaged in manual labor. Their expressions and body language speak to the hardships of their experience. The earthy tones of their surrounding environment – muted greens and ochres – contrast with the stark black and white of their uniforms, emphasizing their plight. The scene conveys a powerful social and historical message, capturing the viewer’s attention through its raw and unfiltered portrayal.
