Joined together 1913

Louis Glackens made this drawing with ink and watercolor. He must have enjoyed the process of making a statement with symbolism. The materiality of this piece comes from the texture of the paper. The lines are clear and defined. Glackens uses vibrant colors and bold lines to portray strong characters. The composition draws you in through the interplay between its figures. I'm most drawn to the burst of light at the base of the firecracker. It’s a simple area, but it explodes with energy and captures the volatile nature of the political climate the piece is talking about. Glackens was part of the Ashcan School, a group of artists that captured everyday life in early 20th-century New York City. His work shares a spirit with other artists, like John Sloan, who were interested in depicting the unvarnished realities of urban life, revealing the beauty and complexity found in the mundane. Art is an ongoing conversation.