The first art to be discussed is pottery and baskets from 1100-1960. The earliest of these items were made for practical uses. It was later that they were recognized as art and made for display. These pieces were used by the artist to show the different customs and traditions in their cultures. From pottery and baskets, the book moves to Mission Nuestra Senora de la Concepcion de Acuna which was built in 1755. The mission, built Spain, was used as a barrier to stop French expansion into what is now Texas. It was also used to try and convert natives to Christianity. The building was covered with geometric and floral designs along its border emphasizing the architecture and on the inside there were frescos, statues and relief carvings for decoration. After the mission, specific artists are highlighted. Dorothea Lange is mentioned for her photograph titled Migrant Mother. This picture and others taken by Lange at a migrant workers’ camp in 1936 were published in a San Francisco newspaper. The nation was shocked to discover the workers who helped put food on America’s tables were starving. The government shipped out 20,000 pounds of food to California, where many of these camps were located, the next day.
Not every piece of art affected the nation in this way but each one pictured is illustrious in its own way. The artists all had something to say something they were trying to get across and this document tries to show the importance of each. If someone is interested in learning about American artistry, this would be a good place to start. It shows a little of everything and anyone who finds a particular piece interesting can do more in depth research. It’s fun to look through and get a quick overview. Come by and check out Picturing America!