53rd Street at Third Avenue 1987

James DeWoody’s screenprint, *53rd Street at Third Avenue,* renders a contemporary scene in cool tones. Screenprinting is inherently a democratic medium, which rose to prominence through its adoption by commercial artists and designers. The process involves creating a stencil on a fine mesh screen, forcing ink through the open areas to create an image. DeWoody skillfully uses the material qualities of ink and the mechanical nature of the printing process to achieve crisp lines and flat planes of color. The varying shades of grey, and the reflective silver ink, capture the hard surfaces of steel and concrete. The industrial nature of the medium echoes the architectural subject, hinting at the complex labor practices involved in the construction of the urban environment. DeWoody's choice of screenprinting elevates this everyday subject, traditionally associated with labor, politics, and consumption. The work challenges the traditional hierarchy between fine art and commercial applications, highlighting the value of both.