Citiscape [sic] 1941

Anthony Velonis made this screenprint, Citiscape [sic], in 1941. Screenprinting, also known as serigraphy, is a process where ink is pushed through a mesh onto a surface. Velonis was a champion of this technique, especially for its accessibility. The bold, flat colors and slightly misaligned layers in Citiscape reflect its making. The layering of colors creates depth and texture, with the rough edges adding to its handcrafted feel. This was partly by design: Velonis advocated for screenprinting as a democratic art form, one that could be used for commercial purposes, such as posters, and also for artistic expression. Velonis was involved with the WPA, the Works Progress Administration, during the Depression, which also reinforced this idea of art for the people. By embracing screenprinting, Velonis blurred the lines between fine art and commercial design, elevating a humble process to a powerful means of communication and creativity. This approach reminds us that art isn't just about the image, it's about the materials, the making, and the context in which it's created.