Kass's Art Writing

Colouring the American Family: Art's Reflection on Post-War Ideals The post-World War II era was a pivotal time for American society, marked by significant economic prosperity, the growth of a vibrant middle class, and the emergence of the idealized nuclear family. This family ideal, heavily promoted through mass media and advertising, typically featured a hardworking father, a devoted homemaker mother, and their children enjoying a stable, comfortable life. This narrative shaped domestic life and had a profound impact on visual arts. Artists began to critically examine and deconstruct these ideals, providing unique perspectives and bold critiques that revealed the contradictions within American family life during this transformative period. This virtual exhibit highlights six influential artworks from key artists, including Willem de Kooning, Roy Lichtenstein, Andy Warhol, Robert Bechtle, Franz Kline, and Richard Hamilton. Each artist offers a distinct viewpoint on the portrayal o...

The Artistic Resilience of the Great Depression: Embracing Humanity Through Early Modern Perspectives The Great Depression, a period of unprecedented economic hardship during the 1930s, profoundly impacted various aspects of American life, particularly in the arts. The stock market crash 1929 set off a decade-long downturn that left millions without jobs and fundamentally reshaped society. As people wrestled with uncertainty, loss, and despair, the arts emerged as a vital outlet for expression. Artists increasingly focused on capturing the human experience, creating works highlighting societal issues and personal stories.  The establishment of the Works Progress Administration (WPA) in 1935 as part of the New Deal was crucial for this artistic revival. The WPA aimed to provide employment for the unemployed, including artists, who were encouraged to create pieces to inspire and educate the public (Metropolitan Museum of Art). Through its various initiatives, the WPA championed the i...