Deep South 1941

William H. Johnson's painting, 'Deep South', presents us with a tableau of rural life, dominated by the figures of two men outside a simple building. The wheel motif, prominently displayed on the side of the building, draws our attention. A wheel is not just a tool of labor, but a symbol of cyclical existence, of fate. Think of the Wheel of Fortune, an ancient symbol representing life's unpredictable turns. This motif has its roots in antiquity, frequently appearing in Roman mosaics, promising fortune but suggesting an underlying sense of precariousness. Here, the wheel takes on a more localized meaning. Combined with the other implements in the painting, it becomes a subtle commentary on labor. This scene engages our collective memory, touching on subconscious associations of toil, resilience, and the ongoing cycle of life. In 'Deep South,' the wheel rolls on, carrying with it the weight of history, evolving yet ever-present.