Hazelwood – 2nd Avenue 1984

Robert Qualters’ 1984 work “Hazelwood – 2nd Avenue” depicts a rain-soaked street scene in Hazelwood, Missouri. The artist's signature detailed, almost obsessive, style is evident in the depiction of the urban landscape, with its crisscrossing power lines, rain-slicked pavement, and flickering streetlights. The fiery glow of the industrial complex in the distance, illuminated by the rain, adds a dramatic contrast to the otherwise muted cityscape. The two figures in the foreground, one holding an umbrella, walking through the rain, adds a sense of everyday life to the otherwise stark scene. This work is a compelling example of Qualters’ ability to capture the gritty reality of urban life.