Poor Folks c. 20th century

Curator: Eugene Higgins's print, simply titled "Poor Folks", presents us with an intimate glimpse into urban poverty. The figures seem burdened, cloaked in shadows. Editor: It’s evocative, undeniably. The scratchy lines of the etching really emphasize a sense of hardship and the sheer materiality of their worn clothing. Curator: Absolutely. Higgins was deeply engaged with social realism, depicting the plight of marginalized communities. His prints were meant to be accessible, affordable, and widely circulated. Editor: And this piece speaks volumes about the socio-economic realities of the time. You can almost feel the weight of their circumstances. The light and shadow play accentuates their isolation too. Curator: The availability of printmaking as a medium certainly democratized art, allowing artists like Higgins to bypass traditional institutions and reach a wider audience, thereby sparking social commentary. Editor: I think this piece does that, but more than that, I think it makes us think about the human cost of the social structures and how we look at those on the margins of society. Curator: It's a sobering reflection on our shared humanity. Editor: Indeed. Food for thought.