Underground Railroad

William H. Johnson’s 1945 artwork titled "Underground Railroad" is a vivid example of Naïve art (primitivism), characterized by its straightforward, expressive style. The painting employs symbolic painting techniques to depict the perilous journey of escaped slaves seeking freedom, echoing Johnson’s deep connection to African-American history and civil rights. The bold colors and simplified forms evoke a sense of urgency and hope, capturing the resilience of those who relied on the clandestine network of the Underground Railroad. Johnson’s work honors the courage of fugitive slaves and their pursuit of liberty through a powerful, accessible visual narrative.