San Francisco Giants c. 1990

Editor: This is "San Francisco Giants," a graphic-art drawing in pen from around 1990 by Jack Davis. It has this dynamic, humorous feel to it, a kind of exaggerated motion. How do you interpret this work? Curator: This piece really speaks to the intersection of sports, identity, and the power of representation. Consider the context: late 20th-century American culture deeply invested in sports as a form of national and local pride. Davis's caricature plays on that, amplifying features and exaggerating the action. Editor: So, it's more than just a funny drawing? Curator: Exactly. Think about how caricatures historically have been used – often to reinforce stereotypes or make political statements. How does this image engage with or subvert those histories, especially considering its subject matter? Editor: I guess the exaggeration could be seen as mocking, but it feels more celebratory. Curator: And that's where the social commentary comes in. What does it mean to celebrate a sports team so fervently? Is it about community, shared identity, or something else entirely? Davis, known for his work in *MAD Magazine*, also satirized many political figures during the same period. I wonder about any socio-political agenda Davis may have had during this period, especially through *MAD*. Editor: That's a great point. So it invites us to consider the bigger picture of what sports and fandom represent within society. Curator: Precisely. Art like this prompts critical thinking about these cultural phenomena. How do such images perpetuate or challenge power structures and social norms related to sports and celebrity culture? Editor: I never thought of it that way before. Now I see a much deeper layer to what seemed like a simple caricature. Curator: Me too. This deeper investigation invites the viewer to explore these ideas on identity.