Hackensack Meadows 

John Marin created "Hackensack Meadows" using crayon on paper, during a time of significant industrial and urban expansion in the United States. Marin, known for his emotionally charged landscapes, captures a scene that reflects both natural beauty and the encroachment of modernity. The Hackensack Meadows, a marshland in New Jersey, were undergoing significant environmental changes due to industrial development. Marin's choice of this location suggests a commentary on the evolving relationship between nature and human intervention. He was known to say that the 'subject matter has to be of little or no consequence'. The rapidly applied strokes of green, blue, and red crayon evoke a sense of movement and immediacy. The sketch captures the essence of a landscape, a gesture towards the transient and ever-changing nature of the meadows. This work serves as both a personal expression and a reflection on broader societal issues. Marin invites us to contemplate the impact of industrialization on our environment. The artwork encourages viewers to consider their own place within this evolving landscape.