In 1932 the Great Depression hit the
U.S. This drastic economic catastrophe affected many people, changing their way of life and their outlook on said life. It was a time of much loss, confusion, and despair. Many people lost everything due to the failing economy. It was sudden and drastic. It changed the way America itself was run, and from this experience we as a country have (hopefully) learned from the mistakes that were made that led to this tragedy (“Great Depression” 1). The effects of the Depression were documented by many, including artists such as Maynard Dixon. In fact, in his case, this event led to an increased awareness of his role in American society. He took the part of making others aware of those things he believed to be wrong. In response to the Depression, Dixon painted some of his most emotion provoking pieces collectively called “The Forgotten Man” series. In these paintings, many faceless men are portrayed searching, unsuccessfully, for a way out of this state of loss they are in. One in particular, entitled “No Where to Go,” impacted me. This piece, while fairly simplistic in style, was aesthetically pleasing and powerful, was an effective portrayal of what many were facing during the Depression, and was a form of challenge to the ideals of America.
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| Maynard Dixon, No Where to Go (1930s) |
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| Maynard Dixon, Cloud World (1925) |
Dixon was born in January of 1875 in Fresno, California. He was raised in a home of aristocratic Virginia Confederates who were well-educated proponents of the arts and therefore, very supportive of his career. For a short time Dixon studied under tonalist painter Arthur Mathews. He later traveled with Edward Borein through many Western states, where he became fascinated with Western land and people. As time went on he married Dorothea Lange, a famous photographer known for her work reflecting the Depression. He was highly influenced by her subject choices and started to stray from his former style. He left behind the impressionist style (seen in his “Adobe Town”) he had adopted working under Mathews and the romanticized style he had adopted to appease the masses, to a simpler, more modern style, for example his piece “Cloud World.” Both color and simplified forms were used to create a very bold effect. This air of mystery and power seen in his work was often created in the vast, low horizons and cloud formations (“Maynard Dixon” 2). This sense of power in nature is also seen in his piece “No Where to Go.” The background consists of a very simple low horizon, a small piece of the Pacific Ocean, rolling hills, with very dramatic lines, and very gold, almost glowing grasses. It portrays the beauty of nature, even in that which can sometimes be seen as plain. He seems to capture the majesty of the land that so many see as America; but placed in this land is a very lonely, hopeless man. It is a man without a distinguished face, a man that could be anyone. This symbol of the struggling American man is a very successful expression of what many were facing during this time. The story being portrayed here is that of a man’s suffering due to The Great Depression. He looks very strong. He is solid, like he would be a good worker. He looks as if he would be someone you could rely on. All of this makes his stance and countenance even more heart breaking. The loneliness and hopelessness is almost palpable. Who knows what this man has left behind? Where is his family? Who is going hungry, besides himself, because he is unable to provide an income? The failure and despair that would accompany this situation is almost incomprehensible. It is not as if he has not put forth an effort but rather, he has been the victim of a hopeless situation. It makes one ask the question why? Who is to blame? Why does this have to be? I am sure many could relate to this seemingly forsaken man; for his situation was one that was sweeping the country.
While this painting was one that many could relate to, it was not one that many were ready to face. It completely contradicted what so many viewed as being American.
America is the land of the free, the home of the brave—not the land of the forgotten, the home of the beaten down. We are the land of milk and honey, not this desolate, yet still powerful land that does not offer a way for this one man to survive.
America is meant to be the land of opportunity. This work calls for a change in society. It calls for whoever is to blame to stand up and take accountability. It is, in essence, an attack on the government and Wall Street, for they were primarily responsible for this economic downturn (Edwards 1). This sort of attack is something that was not completely in line with the norm of society. As human beings we do not automatically fight back, in most cases, for sitting back is generally easier. This painting is definitely not simply sitting back. Something this emotionally provoking is not one that comes to be through a non-challenging subject matter.
Dixon wanted to bring to light the travesty of the Depression, but, of course, there is always going to be different interpretations. I am sure there were some who chose to ignore the idea that this man was a victim, and rather that his loss was his own fault, as many see the less fortunate today. There is no doubt, however, that this was not the intended purpose.
Dixon wanted to highlight the suffering of the hard working caused by The Great Depression.
Maynard Dixon’s piece “No where to Go” is one that portrays the power and beauty of the land, one that expresses the plight of those who suffered during the Great Depression, and one that challenges the image of America. It shows the beauty of the natural American land, the suffering that
America was facing at the time, and the fight that this created in the American people. Accomplishing all of that would make this work extremely successful in and of itself but this painting is able to do more. It is able to create a portrayal of something that is universally human, for the feeling of being at the end of the rode is one we have all felt.
Dixon was able to take this American moment in history, and through the medium of painting, create an image that not only documented the time, but allowed different generations to recognize a connection we all share as human beings. In doing so
Dixon was also able to find his place in society. He took upon himself that role of social activist, and in turn was able to make an impact on the world he lived in. Art has this power. It can create change not only in others but in ourselves as well. It is a way to reach out by reaching in.
Works Cited
Edwards, Chris. "Great Depression - Credo Reference Topic." Credo Reference Home. Sept. 2005. Web. 26 Oct. 2010. <http://www.credoreference.com/topic/great_depression>.
"Escape to Reality: The Western World of Maynard Dixon; Article by Charlene Winters Titled "Escape to Reality"" Traditional Fine Arts Organization. 17 Nov. 2000. Web. 26 Oct. 2010. http://www.tfaoi.com/aa/2aa/2aa319.htm. "Maynard Dixon." Wikipedia, the Free Encyclopedia. 6 Oct. 2010. Web. 26 Oct. 2010. <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maynard_Dixon>.
"Great Depression." The Columbia Encyclopedia. New York: Columbia University Press, 2008. Credo Reference. Web. 26 October 2010.
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