Progress (View South of Russell, Kansas) 1949

Frederic James made this print called Progress (View South of Russell, Kansas) sometime in the mid-20th century. It's all about contrasts, isn't it? The huge, geometric wheels of industry are set against the natural curve of the landscape. Look at the mark-making here; it's all done with a kind of delicate, almost tentative touch. The lines are fine, but they build up to create depth and shadow. Notice those looping wires in the foreground – they're like playful doodles against the severity of the industrial backdrop. The texture is fascinating. You can almost feel the rough grain of the wood in those massive wheels, or the wiry toughness of the prairie grass. It makes me think of Charles Sheeler, who found a similar beauty in industrial forms, but James brings a more whimsical, personal touch to the subject. Ultimately, this piece suggests progress isn't just about building bigger things, but also about how we see and experience the world around us. It leaves you wondering, what is the true meaning of progress?