Exchange Place 1935

Helen Green Blumenschein made this print, "Exchange Place", in 1935. It reflects the socio-political context of the Great Depression, a time of economic hardship and uncertainty that profoundly impacted American society. Through the visual language of architecture, the artwork addresses the themes of power and social hierarchy. The buildings loom large, and the upward-gazing perspective could symbolize ambition. However, they could also represent the overwhelming forces of capitalism. Consider how the artist, as a woman, may have experienced the male-dominated sphere of finance. The geometric shapes and sharp angles of the buildings create a sense of tension, reflecting the anxiety and instability of the era. Blumenschein's print invites us to contemplate the complex relationship between architecture, power, and identity in a time of social and economic upheaval.