American Regionalism
By: Neal McLaughlin

On October 29, 1929, the United States of America would be thrown into a spiral of uncertainties, insecurities and panic and for the next 12 years would endure a tireless struggle in order to regain her footing and to move forward into recovery.

Following the collapse of the U.S. stock market on Black Thuursday the dominoes began to tumble as bankruptcies and defaults would trigger the Great depression in the United States and abroad.

Millions of people would find themselves with out jobs and would soon find themselves homeless, hungry and struggling to simply survive. The faith of the American public would be greatly tested as they trudged forth to eke out an existence for their families.

The American populace would find it difficult to view their nation as a strong, independent and prosperous land of opportunity. Instead they were bitter, uncertain and fearful! Would America be strong enough to withstand this travesty and to once again land on her feet?

What Americans needed more than anything else was for someone to show them that despite the current reign of tragedy, the United States was and still is the epitome of strength, patriotism and perseverance.

As with any hellacious, life-altering challenge the situation may be viewed from several very different perspectives. One can elect to observe the current trials through the eyes of negativity; emphasizing on the hardships at hand, or one can choose to peer through the haze of despair and find the port that offers a haven for all of the troubled souls.

During the 1930's one such group who set out to demonstrate that in tragedy, there can be beauty, were the artist of the new movement known as the American Scene Painters, or American Regionalists.

Divided into 2 camps of very different political views and philosophical perspective each group set out to depict the current condition of the world in their own unique styles and techniques.

The Social Realists like Ben Shahn (1898-1969), Jacob Lawrence (1917- 2000) and Jack Levine (1915-) were centering their attentions to the current social struggle and hardships faced by everyday people in their depression-laden urban lives.

The Regionalists, on the other hand, opted not to show the world as mean, dirty and greedy. Instead, artists such as Thomas Hart Benton (1889 -1975), John Steurat Curry (1897 - 1946) and Grant Wood (1892 - 1942) were concentrating on guiding the United States to a better future by promoting her in a positive image.

Artists of the Regionalist camp would focus their painting efforts away from turmoil and chaotic New York and instead, paint their respective Midwestern homesteads illustrating rural Americans complete with their Midwestern values of hard work, self-preservation and love of their community.

It was these clear, simple paintings that portrayed America as she had once been and would once again become: strong, self-reliant, prosperous and a land of golden opportunities.