Strike through the Mask 

Benton Spruance created this lithograph, "Strike through the Mask," using ink on paper. As a white man creating art during the mid-20th century, Spruance’s work often reflected the social and political anxieties of his time. This piece evokes the mid-century American zeitgeist through the lens of surrealism, tapping into the psychological undercurrents of a society grappling with the aftermath of war and the burgeoning civil rights movement. The stark contrast between light and shadow creates a dramatic tension. The figure emerging, or perhaps dissolving, challenges traditional representations of identity. Consider how the "mask" here might symbolize the personas we adopt under societal pressures, particularly in a time of rigid social norms. Spruance seems to ask: What lies beneath the surface, and what does it take to break through the facade? The raw emotion conveyed through the lithographic process invites us to contemplate our own struggles with authenticity, making this piece a powerful statement on the human condition.