Bleeker and Carmine Streets 1915

George Luks made this oil painting, “Bleeker and Carmine Streets,” using brushes and knives to apply thick paint to the canvas. See how Luks contrasted light and dark to create depth, especially in the building facades? There is a sense of realism in the way he captured the energy of a busy street scene, but it's not photographic realism. The paint is very present, reminding us of Luks's hand and his process. In the early 20th century, the art world was grappling with the rise of industry and the changing urban landscape. Luks and his contemporaries, known as the Ashcan School, turned their attention to everyday life, particularly the lives of working-class people in the city. They used painting to document and celebrate the experiences of those often overlooked by mainstream society. This was a conscious choice of subject matter, as well as a conscious embrace of a less refined, more direct way of painting. This piece challenges our assumptions about what constitutes 'high art', and invites us to appreciate the beauty and significance of everyday life.