Chapter 15.4Social Realism

Social Realist artists created pictures meant to attack the dehumanization of industrial and urban life. The idea of

artwork serving political protest was not new to the world, but it was a particularly

strong movement during the Great Depression of the 1930s — a period of

widespread economic distress and political upheaval.

Ben Shahn (1898-1969) Handball, 1939, tempera, 22 x 32”

The political message of this picture is not as direct as some other images; the artist is suggesting the waste of human resources when

unemployment is high. Sport here is more about killing idle time rather than having fun.

Ben Shahn (1898-1969) A versatile visual artist, Shahn took photographs of the American people in his

travels across the country. He borrowed from these for painted images without slavishly reproducing photographic

detail; he flattens form for dramatic impact in a manner which suggests the simplicity of folk art.

Ben Shahn (1898-1969) Shahn often depicted circumstance of worker unrest, labor union

protests, and damaging violence.

Ben Shahn (1898-1969)

Shahn often depicted

circumstance of worker

unrest, labor union

protests, and

damaging violence.

Ben Shahn (1898-1969) Shahn’s clear,

graphic style

readily lent itself to practical

use as

illustration for print media.

Ben Shahn (1898-1969) Shahn’s

work also depicted human

suffering experience

d in the aftermath of natural disasters.

Reginald Marsh (1898-1954) Oil on canvasMarsh painted the people of the New York City streets during the 1930s. He conveys a sense of energy, crowds and garish artificial

city lights.

Reginald Marsh (1898-1954) The Normandie, 1953, watercolor on paper, 30 x 50”

Reginald Marsh (1898-1954) Watercolor on paper

Reginald Marsh (1898-1954)

Isabel Bishop (1902-1954) Oil on canvasBishop developed a personal style of realism. She taught at the Art Students

League, and often painted working women in the Union Square neighborhood where she had a studio.

Isabel Bishop (1902-1954) Oil on canvasBishop developed a personal style of realism. She often painted working

women in the Union Square neighborhood where she had a studio.

Isabel Bishop (1902-

1954) Oil on canvas

Bishop developed a

personal style of realism. She often painted

working women in the Union Square neighborhood where she had

a studio.

Isabel Bishop (1902-

1954) Oil on canvas

Bishop developed a

personal style of realism. She often painted

working women in the Union Square neighborhood where she had

a studio.

Jacob Lawrence (1917-2000) Gouache and watercolor Lawrence combined intense colors with a modern use of contour shapes to

present a narrative addressing the experience of working class African Americans.

Jacob Lawrence (1917-2000) Gouache and watercolor Although the objects are presented as flat shapes, Lawrence implies the illusion

of space by his use of overlapping forms, and placement at angles which suggest

perspective.

Jacob Lawrence (1917-2000) Gouache and watercolor Lawrence manipulates the relative scale of objects within his carefully

cropped images to suggest the illusion of spatial depth.

Jacob Lawrence (1917-2000) Gouache and watercolor Bold, colorful rhythmic patterns maintain visual interest,

reinforcing the narrative intent of the imagery.

Jacob Lawrence (1917-2000) Gouache and watercolor Lawrence presented images of working class African-Americans which

hadn’t been previously seen in the professional art world.

Jacob Lawrence (1917-2000) Gouache and watercolor Lawrence was able to imply detailed information by skillfully activating flat forms and colors within a carefully controlled composition.

Jacob Lawrence (1917-2000) Lithograph print The repeated visual elements of hand saw and lumber create a lively visual pattern — while simultaneously establishing the interior space of the room.

All detail has been eliminated.

George Tooker (b. 1920) Government Bureau, 1956, Egg tempera, 19 x 29” Specializing in a meticulous egg tempera

painting format, Tooker created dream-like images of alienation and loneliness. He utilized precise shapes, particular light, and exacting

perspective.

George Tooker (b. 1920) Egg tempera Tooker created dream-like images of urban alienation and loneliness. Many subway stations in New York City contain complex spaces such as the one seen here.

George Tooker (b. 1920) Egg tempera Tooker’s nightmarish fantasy images employ convincingly realistic light and space.

These unpleasant places are painted with beautiful, glowing colors.

George Tooker (b. 1920) Egg tempera Many of Tooker’s spaces are impossible and irrational.

This may add to the viewer’s discomfort.