Times Square 1931

Editor: This is Werner Drewes' "Times Square," created in 1931 using printmaking. The composition is quite striking. It feels both monumental and claustrophobic. What social narratives are woven into its visual fabric? Curator: This work screams of the anxieties of modernity. Look at the clashing angles, the almost oppressive weight of the buildings bearing down. In 1931, America was deep in the Depression, a time of incredible social upheaval and questioning of capitalist ideals. Can you see how Drewes uses the sharp lines to represent not just buildings but also a feeling of social fracturing? Editor: Absolutely, the lack of human figures contributes to the feeling of isolation. I hadn't considered the impact of the Depression on the artwork itself. Curator: Consider, too, the towering presence of advertising – “TIMES” boldly emblazoned high above. How does the commercialization of urban space during that era, and even now, reflect power dynamics? Who gets to control the narrative within our shared spaces? Editor: So the print isn’t just a picture of a place, it’s a commentary on the forces shaping people's lives and the environment around them? It critiques how capitalism and commercial interests infiltrate our urban environments and psyches. Curator: Precisely. By focusing on the architecture and suppressing human presence, Drewes critiques a system that prioritizes capital over the lived experiences of individuals. The stark contrast emphasizes the shadows where we as individuals might get lost or exploited. How might you use this artwork to help others consider this critique? Editor: It challenges me to view urban spaces with a more critical eye, always questioning what narratives are being imposed on us and who benefits from them. It's far more politically charged than I initially recognized. Curator: Art allows us to engage with history through a contemporary lens. The unease in "Times Square" resonates even now, reminding us that the struggle for equitable urban spaces continues.