Garage 1936

Walker Evans made this photograph titled ‘Garage’ at an unknown date, using black and white film. It’s an evocative image that captures the spirit of American enterprise, but also hints at the economic struggles of the time. The photograph is rich in visual codes and cultural references. Note the ‘Garage’ sign looming over the scene, a clear indicator of the business at hand. But look closer and you see a woman. She is standing in front of a wall adorned with tires, wheels and batteries and seems almost out of place. This contrast creates a sense of unease, suggesting the personal stories that lie behind the facade of American commerce. To fully appreciate Evans' work, we can delve into archives and period publications. What do these sources tell us about the artist’s intentions? The meaning of ‘Garage’ isn’t fixed; it evolves as we uncover more about the context in which it was created.