Exhibition archive - In the Eye of the Storm - Norton Museum of Art

In the Eye of the Storm: An Art of Conscience
4/2/1997 - 5/18/1997

It is powerful American art. "In the Eye of the Storm: An Art of Conscience, 1930-1970--Selections from the Collection of Philip J. and Suzanne Schiller" on display at the Norton Museum of Art April 2 - May 18, 1997.

Of particular interest in the exhibition are the works of African-American artists portraying the condition of their people. Jacob Lawrence, who is represented in the exhibition by two very major works from 1936-38, portrays self-confidence and humor, as well as poverty and harshness, as he deals with the street-life of 1930s Harlem. Romare Bearden, also represented by two major works, portrays the patience and creativity of his people as they deal with the upheavals of the 1960s. Joseph Delaney draws from his own childhood as the son of a methodist minister in Tennessee in the early years of the century, and captures the emotional power of religion and the central place it had in many communities.

The exhibition features artists dealing with other burning social issues of the day. Ben Shahn's "Father Coughlin", 1939, represents the well-known anti-semitic radio personality. Rockwell Kent's "Bombs Away", 1942, is a reference to Guernica and the Spanish Civil War. Philip Reisman portrayed the beggars and street life around 42nd Street in New York City.

Despite its varied reception at the time it was produced, socially engaged art remains a vitally important reminder of the struggles of society during this century. The artists in this exhibition remind us of the time before much social welfare and civil rights legislation was passed. In powerful visual statements, they call upon us to acknowledge injustice when we see it, and join in the efforts to maintain a fair and democratic society.

The exhibition is organized by The American Federation of Arts. It is a project of ART ACCESS II, a program of the AFA, with major support from the Lila Wallace-Reader's Digest Fund. The exhibition program of the AFA is supported in part by the J. Carter Brown Fund for Exhibitions. In the Eye of the Storm: An Art of Conscience, 1930-1970--Selections from the Collection of Philip J. and Suzanne Schiller is partially underwritten by Mr. and Mrs. John Payson.

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