Tuesday, April 12, 2011

Ashcan Art


In terms of derogatory descriptions of art, "Ashcan Art" sounds worse than "Impressionism" - another term coined by critics. (Archive: Oct, 2010-Durand-Ruel) Ashcan Art had much
in common with Impressionism.

Like the Impressionists' Salon des Refuses, these American artist created their own exhibition. It was a non-juried show organized by the artists. This bull-by-the-horns action by artists was regarded just as scandalously as it had been for the Impressionists. Yet the exhibition changed the direction and definition of art in America.

Beyond these rebellious similarities against the decision makers of what constitutes fine art, there was a major difference between the two schools of art. It was their choice of subjects.

Ashcan painters (This period is more appropriately titled, "American Realism.") were not interested in painting bucolic scenes nor the industrial age. They were interested in portraying the grittiness of urban life. They wanted to chronicle the urban lives of the poor and the disenfranchised of the city. They painted overcrowding, boxing, prostitution, drunks and everyday realities of poverty. (Since ashcans were ubiquitous in the urban landscape, this art movement became known as "ashcan art." )

These artists were referred by some critics as "apostles of ugliness." At the top and below are some of the art created during this time. What do you think? Should artists paint only the beauty of life and nature or are paintings of squalor and poverty appropriate subjects?





9 comments:

  1. Some of the paintings are so well composed, especially the fight scene, they would definitely be commercially successful. Jennie

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  2. Enjoyed this blog! JT

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  3. I'm not sure why the critics were so upset. AFter all, think of "The Potato Eaters." That was a portrayal of hard working, poor farmers with nothing to eat but potatoes. Marc

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  4. It's just painting what is real life for most of the people of that time. I suspect it was a class issue. The upper clases would prefer to not see this side of life in the city. sz

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  5. Great Post - I never knew about Ashcan Art. Thanks! EB

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  6. I don't think I remember seeing this type of subject matter, at least not with a consciousness of what it was. Interesting. Thanks for pointing me in its' direction. MAR

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  7. Thanks, another enlightening moment for me...............i did think it was about trashcans:)Connie

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  8. I really like that style and subject of paintings.

    FAB

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  9. After reading your ashcan art blog...its not in the same style but LS Lowry was a man who painted scenes of the industrial north or England, and was very popular with the masses for his "matchstick men and matchstick cats and dogs". THere was even a hit song about them in the 70's However the Tate gallery in London who owns 23 of his paintings but only exhibits one is being accused of snobbery. It may very well be the case...Jackie

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