EARLY MODERN ART ANALYSIS: THE INFLUENCE OF THE GREAT DEPRESSION

About The Great Depression

   The Great Depression originated in the United States and began in 1929 through 1933. It was an economic shock that impacted the industrialized world, mainly Britain and Germany. World War I (WWI) left the country in the greatest debt. To combat the effects of the Great Depression, the Works Progress Administration (WPA) was established. It was a program that provided work for the unemployed during the severe depression because people wouldn't be able to afford art if they can't afford to eat. Artists, actors, and writers were hired by the Federal Art Project, a branch of the WPA, to create art for public spaces. Many artists during the Great Depression expressed their thoughts and emotions about the event through their artwork. 

Untitled (Pensive Black Man), Seymour Fogel (1936)

This art piece was created in 1936 during the Great Depression by Seymour Fogel, an American artist. The piece falls into the category of realism-style art as it is a portrait of a man burdened by hard times. The facial expression of the man shows that he's devastated and had lost hope in something, enhancing the realistic style since the world is not always a pretty place. The newspaper on his lap has the word "ATTACK" on it but what would the headline of the news be considering the year this piece was created? Since commissioned pieces for the Federal Arts Project are usually political or religious, this piece seems like it was a personal piece that Seymour created to express his emotions. There's no color in this piece besides the shades of black. The absence of color takes the life out of the subject (the man) and adds a sad feeling to the piece. However, the color of his hands differs. could this be a "lighting' effect using tone and shade? The use of horizontal and vertical lines are used to add patterns to the shirt of the man, as well as depth to the piece. 

Drought by Jacob Kainen (1935)

This piece was created in 1935 by Jacob Kainen, an American painter and printmaker. Jacob's purpose in this piece was to address the environmental devastation that occurred during the Great Depression, where agricultural workers and American Indians living on reservations were impacted the most. There are many clues in the piece, as well as the title, that gives the state of the environment. The slanted tree with no leaves indicates that the tree is dead, most likely because of drought. The farmer sitting down looks exhausted and burdened by the bad economy. The livestock in the far back are skinny and bony when they're supposed to be fat and healthy. Wagons are used to aid in harvesting crops, but it seems like there are no crops to harvest due to the wheels of the wagon being discarded by the shed. Linear lines are used to add depth to the piece, showing how much land has no crop. Lines are also used to show the strength of the tree while it a bit slanted. The piece relies a lot on the tone and shading. While there's no obvious lighting, you can see the shadow of the farmer in front of him, indicating that light is most likely shining behind him. 

Sand! by Geroge Biddle (1936) 

This piece was created in 1936 by George Biddle, an American painter. This piece is similar to Drought which was created by Jacob Kainen. The piece represents the aftermath of a sandstorm or fire that occurred on a farm. The skeletal remains of the livestock, possibly due to starvation, show that there's no life after the huge impact, and the discarded wagon wheels indicate that it's hard to "move" on from this event. Horizontal lines are used to enhance the storming clouds in the back. George's purpose in this piece was to create an image that reflected the aspects of American life. The great depression took place during this time and this piece reflects the hard times farmers had to encounter. 

Thoughts and Discussion

The pieces I've chosen reflect on the event that was occurring at the time they were created, the Great Depression. Artists at this time were hired by the Federal Arts Project to continue creating art. Many styles of art were created during this time, including realism, abstract, and many more. The artists were able to express their thoughts and emotions through their artwork. I love how the artists had the same theme but all are from a different perspective. I would personally own all of the pieces that I've chosen for this blog since it's a great reminder of what our country has gone through. It doesn't have a good meaning behind them and isn't pleasant to look at but it's history. 

Citations

Kindig, Jessie. “Culture and Arts during the Depression.” Culture and Arts in 1930s Washington State, 2009, depts.washington.edu/depress/culture_arts.shtml.

National Gallery of Art. “Art and the Great Depression.” Great Depression, 2023, www.nga.gov/learn/teachers/lessons-activities/uncovering-america/great-depression.html.