Born: January 28, 1896, Greensboro, North Carolina, U.S. (Show more) Died: October 4, 1934, New York City, New York (Show more) Malvin Gray Johnson (born January 28, 1896, Greensboro, North Carolina, U.S.—died October 4, 1934, New York City, New York) was an American artist who was one of the first African Americans to paint in the Cubist style. Malvin Gray Johnson used techniques derived from his studies of African sculpture to create paintings that depict the daily lives of Black people. Although Johnson’s work was much celebrated by art critics and historians for its portrayal of African Americans, so much attention was drawn to its subject matter that his remarkable painting style, which was influenced by both Cubism and French Impressionism, ...(100 of 494 words) Access the full article Help support true facts by becoming a member. Subscribe today!