During the 1930s, there were many groups of art styles and “isms” working in varied ways. The Stieglitz group, abstract artists, regionalists, social realists, and Expressionists were captivating the art world. Social conscious art persisted for several decades. The Great Depression era screamed of the need for writers, visual artists, and other intellectuals to respond. Many artists documented and dramatized personal struggles, issues and the condition of life. The art of Ben Shahn particularly stood out among the social artists of his day.
Although Shahn painted the world about him, exploring themes of modern urban life, organized labor, immigration and injustices, he did so with compassion, proposing a close relationship between himself and his audience.
He chose pictorial realities, instead of abstract forms, after spending time in Europe studying great artists such as Matisse, Pablo Picasso, and Paul Klee. Even as Norman Rockwell had, he eventually outgrew his pursuit of European modern art, feeling that painting reality reaffirmed the significance of life.
Although he chose reality over the Modern Art coming out of Europe, his studies under the great artists of Europe did have an effect on his work. He is noted for his unique symbolism, which many critics compare to the imagery of Paul Klee. He intentionally paired contrasting colors and images together to create tension.
Most all of his noted works represented something political or highly charged happening around him such as The Passion of Sacco and Vanzetti.
Ferdinando Nicola Sacco and Bartolomeo Vanzetti were convicted of murdering two men in a 1920 armed robbery. Their trial was very controversial losing a series of appeals. The two men were executed August 23, 1927. There was a greatly politicized dispute over whether they were guilty or innocent. Many argued the trials were unfair, focusing on contradictory evidence.
Liberation, one of Ben Shahn’s war paintings of Europe. Although it shows in the foreground the sense and exhilaration of being liberated, in the background is the rubble of war.
