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Franz Kline created this collage in the mid-20th century, using paper and ink. Kline was part of the abstract expressionist movement that redefined art institutions in the post-war United States. The black and white contrasts are a key element in his work. But what do they mean? We can see in this piece the influence of an industrialised society. Its starkness echoes the architecture of modern cities. We can also think of how the Cold War was raging during the time this piece was made, a world where society was framed in terms of binary opposites. When trying to understand Kline, scholars consider his place in the development of a specifically American avant-garde, one that had the power to challenge existing artistic norms. To understand this we can explore the archives and exhibition histories from the period. By using these historical resources, we can appreciate the role played by art in reflecting the anxieties and possibilities of its time.