Social Realism - Art of the 1930’s On

By Jeanette Hendler

Albert Pels, Philip Reisman and Aaron Berkman are among the many

artists who were on the WPA (Works Progress Administration) and who had a strong feeling regarding the social ills and mores of the period.

The artists depicted both the historical events that were taking place in the United States and they also represented images of everyday life.

Albert Pels came from Ohio and was in New York City for most of his life.  Because he felt that Ohio was the gateway to the West, he very often painted Western social realism and the following oil; "The Posse" shows in vivid detail what was taking place in our country regarding the injustices to our fellowman.

Philip Reisman concentrated most of his work on New York City scenes and this New York Subway image of a family waiting for the train is very typical of his social realism work.  People were his passion and his career spanned more than five decades. His work records every possible human activity on the streets of New York, ranging from poets to bums. The child of immigrant parents, Reisman told of his encounters with the great muralists of Mexico, Rivera, Orozco, and Siqueiros.

Pels, Albert. The Posse. 1941. Oil on canvas. 29 x 36in.

Reisman, Philip. Family. Oil on canvas. 18 x 20in.

Aaron Berkman painted both the depression images of the era and the social scenes in his world.  He loved to paint gallery images and the following oil is very typical of what he saw at the openings he attended. In this oil, he painted an image of the very famous Walter Pach in the center of the painting.  Pach was the foremost art critic and writer of the era.  Berkman and Pach were good friends and fellow painters and writers.

Berkman, Aaron. Gallery Opening. Oil on board. 16 x 20in.

C  Copyright Jeanette Hendler 2005 Jeanette Hendler is a collector, consultant and writer of the period and is located in New York City.