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Georgia O’Keefe: Ram's Head White Hollyhock and Little Hills
Historical Event:
The Great Depression Cultural Ideas:
During this time, the idea of desolation and loneliness was prevelant throughout the country. Author John Steinbeck the mood by stating that, "Houses were shut tight, and cloth wedged around doors and windows, but the dust came in so thinly that it could not be seen in the air, and it settled like pollen on the chairs and tables, on the dishes". This imagery shows the overall desperation and desolation of the time. -
Period: to
1910-2010
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Thomas Hart Benton: Cut The Line
Historical Event:
World War II Cultural Ideas:
During WWII,there was a large push for artwork demonstrating the excellence of the American way of life but this ultimately a ploy to help the war effort. It was described as "During World War II, America produced some of the most successful propaganda campaigns in history. The pushes for increased production, labor, and conservation may well have won the war for America" -
Jackson Pollock: Autumn Rhythm
Historical Event:
Suburban sprawl Cultural Ideas;
After WWII, there was a great time of prosperity in American. It was a time of mass consumption and consumerism. May wealthy Americans were moving out to suburban areas, in an effort to capture this new idea of the "American Dream". -
Andy Warhol: Eight Elvises
Historical Event:
The advent of celebrities and mass culture Cultural Idea:
At this time after the invention and popularization of such things as television and radio, the idea of "celebrity" came into the fold. The popularity of Elvis Presely were unparralled from a cultral aspect. Famed composer Leonard Bernstein stated "Elvis is the greatest cultural force in the twentieth century. He introduced the beat to everything, music, language, clothes, it's a whole new social revolution…" -
Jean-Michel Basquiat: Ancient Scientist
Historical Event:
The explosion of the New York gallery scene Cultural Ideas:
In a recent New York Times article, writer Laura Holson described the 1980's New York art scene as a "gold rush". This is absolutely the case. The era was known for its greed and decadance and this would certainly extend into the realm of fine art. The high profits that artists were fetching for works was nearly unbelievable. -
Banksy: This’ll Look Nice When Its Good Framed
Historical Event:
The commercial success of street art Cultural Ideas:
Going into the 21st centrauy, street artists were only popular amongst a some exclusive faction. But this all changed around 2006 when the works of Shepard Fairey, Dreph and Banksy himself caught fire. Their works were being sold unbelievable sums at auctions.
