Published on the occasion of the exhibition organized by the Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Service and Morgan State University, opening September 2011.

This book brings the story of African American artist William H. Johnson (1901-1970) to light. Born in South Carolina, Johnson moved to New York as a teenager to live with his uncle, working as a hotel porter, cook, and stevedore -- and earning admission to the School of the National Academy of Design, where he won almost every student prize available. A trip to Europe became permanent residence after he married Danish textile artist Holcha Krake. He enjoyed wide success until World War II forced the couple to move to New York. After his wife's death Johnson's physical and mental health collapsed and after 1947 he never painted again. Steve Turner traces the fate of Johnson's huge body of work, indifferently managed for him by court-appointed guardians and the Harmon Foundation.

Surveys the life of African-American artist William H. Johnson as his young niece might have told it. The artist's paintings provide the illustrations.

Profiles the life and work of the noted African American painter.

Among Others: Blackness at MoMA begins with an essay that provides a rigorous and in-depth analysis of MoMA's history regarding racial issues. It also calls for further developments, leaving space for other scholars to draw on particular moments of that history. It takes an integrated approach to the study of racial blackness and its representation: the book stresses inclusion and, as such, the plate section, rather than isolating black artists, features works by non-black artists dealing with race and race- related subjects. As a collection book, the volume provides scholars and curators with information about the Museum's holdings, at times disclosing works that have been little documented or exhibited. The numerous and high-quality illustrations will appeal to anyone interested in art made by black artists, or in modern art in general.

Lives of the Artists masterpieces, bibliographical references.