1 August 1948 1948

Frank Lobdell made this oil painting titled '1 August 1948' in the United States. The swirling forms and muted color palette evoke a sense of subconscious exploration, aligning with the era's interest in psychoanalysis and existentialism. This work was created in the aftermath of World War II, a period marked by profound social and political upheaval. The rise of Abstract Expressionism, to which this painting gestures, can be seen as a rejection of traditional artistic values and a search for new forms of expression that could capture the anxieties and uncertainties of the atomic age. The date in the title is a reminder of the institutional importance of time and records. Lobdell would later teach at institutions such as the California School of Fine Arts. To fully understand this artwork, scholars consult historical records, artists' writings, and critical literature to uncover the complex web of influences that shaped its creation. By examining art through the lens of social and institutional history, we gain insights into the cultural forces that shape artistic expression and its meaning in our lives.