Leroy Johnson was more than an artist—he was a storyteller, a documentarian of Black urban existence, and a creative force deeply rooted in Philadelphia’s cultural landscape. Through his mixed-media paintings and assemblages, he captured the essence of Black life, history, and resilience, transforming discarded materials into powerful visual narratives.

His work spoke to the overlooked, the forgotten, and the everyday—bringing light to the struggles, triumphs, and spiritual endurance of Black communities.

Leroy Johnson, Who Is Eligible?, c. 2010 – 2015, Mixed media, found objects, collage, 25.4 x 61 x 38.1 cm

A Life Shaped by Art and Activism

Born in 1937 and raised in Philadelphia, Leroy Johnson witnessed firsthand the changing landscapes of the city’s Black neighborhoods. His art was shaped by these experiences—by the streets, people, and histories often neglected in mainstream narratives.

Johnson was largely self-taught, though he studied at the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts (PAFA). His education, however, was never confined to classrooms; it came from the streets, from history books, from activism, and from his lived experience as a Black man in America.

His work was often infused with social and political consciousness, reflecting his engagement with the Civil Rights Movement and his desire to uplift marginalized voices.

Leroy Johnson, RIP, c. 2000 – 2005, Mixed media, found objects, collage, 33 x 48.3 x 21.6 cm

The Art of Found Objects and Memory

Johnson’s artistic process was deeply intuitive. He worked with found objects—wood, paper, fabric, and other discarded materials—assembling them into layered, textured compositions that told stories of urban decay, displacement, and Black resilience.

A 2023 exhibition at Margot Samel Gallery in New York showcased Johnson’s ability to merge personal memory with historical reflection. Titled The Griot’s Tale, the exhibition featured works that evoked “the ruins of a lost civilization,” blending symbols of urban landscapes with the weight of Black historical consciousness. His ability to turn remnants of the past into dynamic, layered compositions underscored his belief that Black history is not forgotten—it is continuously being rewritten and reshaped.

One of the standout works from the exhibition, Wall City, depicted a densely packed, abstracted cityscape that suggested both confinement and community, a theme Johnson frequently explored.

Leroy Johnson, 4 Given, c. 2010 – 2015, Mixed media, found objects, collage, 24.1 x 20.3 x 20.3 cm

Legacy and Influence

For much of his career, Johnson remained underrecognized by the mainstream art world. Yet, he was a revered figure in Philadelphia’s art scene, mentoring young artists and exhibiting in local institutions such as the African American Museum in Philadelphia and the Painted Bride Art Center.

In the later years of his life, his work finally began to receive wider recognition. In 2019, just before his passing, Johnson was featured in the prestigious Whitney Biennial, marking a long-overdue acknowledgment of his artistic contributions.

Even in his final works, Johnson remained committed to amplifying the beauty, struggles, and enduring spirit of Black life in America. His art continues to inspire contemporary artists who see storytelling, history, and resilience as central to their practice.

Leroy Johnson, Crosswalk, c. 2000 – 2005, Mixed media, found objects, collage, 19.1 x 22.9 x 26.7 cm

Join the Conversation

What does Leroy Johnson’s work mean to you? Which contemporary artists do you think are carrying on his tradition? Let us know in the comments or continue the discussion on our social media platforms.

Source: The Griot’s Tale Exhibition at Margot Samel Gallery, Various museum collections, and retrospectives on Leroy Johnson.