Foxtrot 

Tia Peltz’s painting, “Foxtrot,” captures figures in motion with broad, gestural strokes of oil paint. Born in Winnipeg, Canada in 1923, Peltz was part of a generation of artists who came of age in the mid-20th century, a time of immense social and cultural change. Her expressionist style suggests influences from both European modernism and the American abstract movement, but the subject matter is distinctly representational, suggesting a lively social scene. The title, "Foxtrot," connects the image to popular culture and social dance, a significant form of social interaction and cultural expression during the 20th century. The painting provides a glimpse into the leisure activities of a particular social class and era. Researching the history of social dance and popular music of the time might give us further insights into the painting's cultural context. Ultimately, understanding "Foxtrot" requires us to consider the social conditions that shaped Peltz’s artistic vision.