Walker Evans #1

Throughout history, art has been used to change the publics view on the government. In almost all cases, the depiction is skewed due to the force and power which the government oppresses with. Going all the way back to the middle ages, art was often produced by an artist, under the power and direction of the church. Because of this oppression, painting almost always featured a member of the church, a biblical scene, or any combination that makes the church happy. Take this painting as an example, no bright colors, no conflict, no fun, just Matthew being a saint. If an artist did not do what the church said, they would be killed or imprisoned. Moving forward to the 1900's; the creation of art was beginning to be more so left to the artist with few restrictions. However, an artist like Walker Evans received enough publicity and attention that the U.S. government felt threatened. As an artist, this is flattering; having the U.S. unsteady because they see your power of your work.

During the span of 72 years (1903-1975) which Walker Evans lived, America was undergoing

enormous diplomatic and economic reform, mostly due to the Great Depression. Evans was said to have been under a great deal of pressure by the U.S. government to portray the country positively in his photographs. However, when viewing Walker's photographs I see quite the opposite of a positive portrayal. Evans received most of his attention because of his work during the Great Depression. He was known for photographing tenant farmers, who at this time are truly the poorest of the poor. This photo displays a battered and dirtied African American tenant farmer. The contrast of this picture displays the mans dirt, skin, and shadows graphically, almost making them emphasized. This effect is crucial to the photos visual and conceptual qualities. If all of Walker's work displayed such graphic and real subjects, I believe it would have not been long until his arrest.