Whirligig c. 1939

Editor: So, here we have Selma Sandler's "Whirligig," created around 1939 using charcoal and colored pencil on paper. I find its rustic presentation quite intriguing, a little like folk art, perhaps, but also quite formal with the subject in a top hat. What do you make of it? Curator: Sandler's "Whirligig" provides an interesting window into American art during the late 1930s. Given its creation date, this piece would have been made during the Great Depression and leading up to World War II. Does seeing the sculpture in this portrait evoke a sense of a populist form taking on a refined guise? Editor: Definitely! The contrast between the high hat and, say, the simple wooden figure itself is definitely striking. And there is that visible wood grain! Could this contrast be intentional? Curator: Exactly. The art world at that time was deeply engaged in debates about the role of art in society, particularly in representing working-class people and the realities of their lives. Also, consider the history of representing figures in art. How do Sandler’s choices challenge those norms? Editor: The flatness of the image, maybe? Its folksiness? Curator: And what might be the social significance of these artistic choices? Think about who gets represented and how in the grand scheme of art history. Sandler seems to be grappling with issues of class and representation in her artwork. It would be important to investigate if this artist intentionally produced work reflecting working-class individuals. Editor: That's something I hadn’t fully appreciated before – the politics inherent in choosing a subject like this. It's made me think about the work in an entirely different context. Curator: Indeed! Viewing art through the lens of its socio-political background can deepen our understanding significantly. Editor: Thanks! That makes me look at things differently.