Election posters, 10th Avenue, New York City c. 1935

Editor: Peter Sekaer's photograph, "Election Posters, 10th Avenue, New York City," circa 1935, is incredibly striking. The buildings plastered with posters create this claustrophobic feeling, almost like the city is being papered over with political rhetoric. What can you tell me about the socio-political context of this work? Curator: Well, considering it’s 1935, deep in the Depression era, the image speaks volumes about the public mood. The overwhelming presence of election posters points to a society deeply engaged—or perhaps overwhelmed—by political discourse. It also suggests the desperation and hope invested in the political process as a means for change. Notice how the posters cover nearly every available surface? Editor: Yes, it's almost suffocating. Were these kinds of images common then? Curator: Documentary photography gained prominence in the 1930s, often funded by government programs like the Farm Security Administration. Photographers like Sekaer aimed to capture the realities of American life, from rural poverty to urban struggles. This image, while seemingly straightforward, engages with the very public role of art and documentation. The photographer turns the mundane into something significant, doesn't it? How do you see the choice of black and white impacting the viewer? Editor: It definitely adds to the starkness and realism, stripping away any romanticism. It feels very immediate and honest. It makes me think about the power of images to influence public opinion, then and now. Curator: Precisely! The photograph functions almost as a historical document, revealing the interplay between political messaging and public perception. Images such as these played a part in shaping narratives around poverty and potential political solutions. It shows us how imagery contributes to a broader cultural understanding. Editor: This has totally shifted my perspective. I was so focused on the visual aspects but now I appreciate its historical significance. Curator: And I think considering it in this way makes the piece all the richer and makes the arguments it puts forward about that time all the more pertinent.