Ben Shahn (American, born Lithuania, 1898–1969). Welders, 1943. Gouache on board, 22 × 393/4 in. (55.9 × 101 cm). The Museum of Modern Art, New York, Purchase, 1944
Ben Shahn's piece "Welders" created in 1943, during the time of the Great Depression, reflects the social and economic climate of that era. Shahn, known for his social realist style, depicted the labor force and industrial work, addressing the struggles and resilience of the working class during that challenging period. The piece captures the essence of labor and industrialization, showcasing the strength and determination of the workers amidst economic hardship. Shahn's work serves as a poignant portrayal of the impact of the Great Depression on American society and the workforce.
Shahn's deliberate arrangement of the elements within the piece, such as the positioning of the welders and the surrounding industrial environment, creates a visually compelling composition that captures the essence of labor and industrialization during the Great Depression. The vibrant and striking use of color in the gouache medium highlights the intensity and energy of the welding process, adding to the visual impact of the artwork and emphasizing the strength and determination of the workers depicted. Texture: The texture created through the application of gouache on board adds depth and dimension to the piece, enhancing the tactile quality of the artwork and contributing to the overall representation of industrial labor and the resilience of the working class during challenging times.
"Welders" by Ben Shahn conveys a sense of strength, resilience, and determination. The vibrant use of color and the deliberate arrangement of the elements within the piece captures the intensity and energy of the welding process, highlighting the workers' unwavering dedication in the face of economic hardship. Shahn's portrayal evokes a feeling of solidarity and fortitude, emphasizing the enduring spirit of the working class during the challenging period of the Great Depression.
Elizabeth Olds (American, 1896–1991). Miner Joe, 1942. Screenprint 183/4 × 123/4 in. (47.6 × 32.4 cm). The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, Museum Accession, transferred from the Lending Library Collection (64.500.1)
The Great Depression significantly impacted the art and culture of the time, which is reflected in Elizabeth Olds' piece "Miner Joe." Created in 1942, during the tail end of the Depression era, the artwork likely carries the influence of the economic hardships experienced during that period. "Miner Joe" may be seen as a representation of the working class and the resilience of individuals during challenging times. The choice of a miner as the subject of the piece could symbolize the labor and struggle experienced by many Americans during the Great Depression. Additionally, the medium of screenprint might have been a result of the Depression's impact on available resources and artistic techniques. This piece is not only a visual representation of a specific individual but also serves as a historical and artistic portrayal of the broader societal conditions of the time.
The screenprint "Miner Joe" by Elizabeth Olds features a strong use of line and texture. The artist's bold and precise lines effectively capture the ruggedness and strength of the miner portrayed in the artwork. Additionally, the use of texture adds depth and portrays the rough, labor-intensive nature of the subject's work. The contrast between light and shadow in the piece also contributes to its visual impact, emphasizing the physicality and resilience of the miner. It also conveys a sense of strength, resilience, and determination. The portrayal of the miner exudes a quiet yet powerful sense of resolve and endurance, capturing the hardworking spirit of individuals in labor-intensive occupations. The artist's use of bold lines and stark contrasts contributes to the overall mood of stoicism and unwavering determination depicted in the piece.
Dox Thrash (American, 1893–1965). Strike, ca. 1940. Watercolor, 171/8 in. × 12 in. (43.5 × 30.5 cm). Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts, Philadelphia, Museum Purchase
The Great Depression had a significant impact on the art of Dox Thrash. As an African American artist living in Philadelphia during the 1930s, Thrash experienced firsthand the economic and social challenges of the era. The watercolor piece "Strike" created around 1940 reflects the turbulent times of the Great Depression. The theme of labor strikes and the struggle of the working class is evident in this artwork, portraying the hardship and resilience of the people during that period. The use of watercolor, a relatively inexpensive medium, might also reflect the economic constraints of the time. Overall, the piece is a poignant reflection of the socioeconomic climate of the Great Depression and the influence it had on art and society.
The art elements in the piece "Strike" by Dox Thrash include the brilliant use of watercolor, which creates a vivid and fluid composition. The contrast between light and dark, the dynamic composition, and the expressive brushwork all contribute to the powerful depiction of the subject. Additionally, the artist's expert use of color and line work together harmoniously to convey a sense of movement and emotion within the artwork. The watercolor painting "Strike" by Dox Thrash conveys a sense of strength, resilience, and determination. The bold and dynamic strokes, along with the use of watercolor, create a powerful and intense atmosphere. The imagery and the choice of medium seem to evoke a feeling of struggle and perseverance, reflecting the spirit of resilience during the time the artwork was created. Additionally, the contrast between light and dark tones contributes to the overall emotional impact, capturing the viewer's attention and contributing to the intense and impactful nature of the piece.
Sources:
Rudnick, A. (2023, September 18). The art of the Great Depression. The Metropolitan Museum of Art. https://www.metmuseum.org/perspectives/articles/2023/9/the-art-of-the-great-depression
Great Depression. National Gallery of Art. (n.d.). https://www.nga.gov/learn/teachers/lessons-activities/uncovering-america/great-depression.html
Hi Jill,
ReplyDeleteBefore I jump into it, I would like to give my thanks for these works and your commentary on them. I have always been a fan of realism pieces, so it was exciting to see what works you would put forward from this category. With this in mind, everything you chose definitely lived up to my expectations and more. Out of the three, I think Welders has to be my favorite. Everything from the background to glasses just really stands out as special. I’m going to have to look into some more of Mr. Shahn’s work going forward. Thanks again for sharing and keep up the hard work!
Vaughan
Hello Jill
ReplyDeleteGreat blog post! Your blog post does a great job of showing how the Great Depression influenced art. Ben Shahn's "Welders" captures the resilience and strength of the working class with vibrant colors and detailed composition. Elizabeth Olds' "Miner Joe" showcases labor struggles quite effectively. Dox Thrash's "Strike" uses dynamic watercolor to show the hardships and resilience of workers. Overall, artworks reflect the challenges of the Great Depression and the spirit of the people who lived through it.
Hello Jill!
ReplyDeleteThese were great pieces dedicated to the socioeconomic shifts seen post-WWI. The art displays themes of the working class and the industrialism of the time. The piece that speaks to me the most is Strike by Dox Thrash. The picket signs speak to the political and civil unrest they faced in America during the Great Depression. Very powerful imagery holds a great deal of emotion that can be seen in the faces and body language of the protestors. In the time that this piece was painted, it was towards the end of the “New Negro” or Harlem Renaissance movement. I’m seeing the progression of the state of the working class before WWII, and the political and economic tensions leading up to the war struck the minority much harder than everyone else. The colors used in this painting use a great deal of light and shadow to convey the message of this piece, even with a lighter medium like watercolor. The brush strokes provide movement in the protestors. The buildings behind them suggest being in the depths of the city where there is little to be had of fresh air and natural light, contributing to the discomfort felt by the individuals in this piece.