Sargent Claude Johnson

Sargent Claude Johnson (1888–1967) was the first Black modernist on the West Coast to gain national acclaim. His artistic practice drew from a range of international influences, and he was devoted to sensitive, ennobling portrayals of people of color. This catalog examines Johnsons artistic evolution and offers fresh perspectives on his work, positioning his oeuvre within an expansive framework of global modernism.

Format: Hardback
Length: 132 pages
Publication date: 23 January 2024
Publisher: Yale University Press

Sargent Claude Johnson (1888-1967) was a pioneering Black modernist on the West Coast, achieving national recognition. His artistic practice, rooted in California, drew from diverse global influences, including African, Asian, European, and Latin American arts, with a particular emphasis on Mexican modernism and Indigenous pottery techniques. Spanning the Black Renaissance of the 1920s and 1930s to the Civil Rights Movement of the 1950s and 1960s, Johnson's career was dedicated to sensitive and dignified portrayals of people of color. While best known as a sculptor, he excelled in various media, including painting, printmaking, enamelwork, and ceramics, showcasing his multifaceted artistic identity.

This comprehensive catalogue, authored by esteemed scholars, delves into Johnson's artistic journey and provides fresh insights into his work. It showcases his sculptures of underrepresented subjects, as well as majestic architectural commissions, including a celebrated mural reproduced in lavish gatefold format. The book situates Johnson's oeuvre within the broader context of global modernism, highlighting his contributions to the artistic landscape.

Published by the Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens, this catalogue is part of an upcoming exhibition scheduled for February 17th to May 20th, 2024, at the Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens. The exhibition will provide an opportunity to explore Johnson's remarkable legacy and his profound impact on the art world.

Dimension: 279 x 241 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780300271997