Dawn is the Morning 1962

Reva Urban created this print, "Dawn is the Morning", and it presents us with an intriguing visual puzzle. The title suggests renewal, and the composition hints at a human figure emerging from or interacting with abstract forms. Consider this work in the context of mid-20th century American art, when abstract expressionism was dominant. Many artists felt free to move away from traditional representation. We can see Urban engaging with the visual language of abstraction while grounding it with a humanistic subject. Was she commenting on the social roles of women? Was she looking at a new dawn for women in the work place? To fully appreciate Urban's work, we need to look at the broader cultural landscape of her time, including the influence of abstract expressionism. Art history is about piecing together these contexts to unlock the meanings embedded in artworks.