The Art Deco movement had a profound impact on American public art. From 1934 to 1943, the Federal Art Project (FAP) employed many artists, with over 10,000 participating in the program. The FAP helped to bring Art Deco sensibilities to public art. New styles emerged over the years, but the influence of Art Deco did not fade completely.
The Decatur branch of the First National Bank of Atlanta was built in 1951, and this bas-relief on its western face is reminiscent of the public art produced from the Depression until WWII. Extolling the dignity and value of labor, sculptures like this were a common theme of the period. It seems that in 1951, someone thought Art Deco was still a good choice for a public artwork. I’m glad they did.
Today, the distance between banking and the workers plight seems almost surreal.
Some nice spotting, rhanks.
Yes, the rich get richer..,