Philip Guston's murals from the 1930s and 40s were deeply influenced by his experiences with social and political issues of the time, reflecting the broader context of the Great Depression and the New Deal's efforts to provide relief through art. During this period, Guston, alongside his contemporaries, engaged in creating art that spoke to the struggles and conflicts of society, often incorporating themes common in Mexican murals like struggle, conflict, and the fight against social injustices. His work during this time, including murals to raise awareness and support for the Scottsboro Boys—a group of nine Black teenagers falsely accused of sexual assault—showcased his activist approach and commitment to addressing societal issues through art (invaluable.com).
The Works Progress Administration (WPA) played a significant role in Guston's career and in the lives of many artists during the Great Depression. Under President Franklin Delano Roosevelt's New Deal, the Federal Art Project (FAP) was established as part of the WPA to provide employment to artists and bring art closer to the general public. Guston, like many artists of the time, benefited from this program, which supported artists in creating murals, paintings, and other works that reflected and documented American life and struggles during the Depression era (National Gallery of Art).
The impact of the New Deal arts funding was profound, not just for Guston but for the American arts scene as a whole. It sponsored indigenous, regional talent and encouraged the growth of a national, popular artistic culture. Murals painted by artists during this time, including those by Guston, were usually done in a realistic style and depicted groups of men and women working together in common cause, capturing the spirit of the time and the ethos of social realism that was influential during the period (University of Washington).
Guston's WPA murals are a testament to the power of art in sparking dialogue and addressing critical social issues. Through his work, Guston not only contributed to the rich tapestry of American art but also highlighted the essential role of artists in reflecting and shaping the society they live in.
