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Authentic American Art Movement Works on Display at Hope Horn Gallery
“Houston Street,” an oil painting by Jerome Myers, will be among the pieces on display in the exhibit “Ashcan Humanists: John Sloan and Jerome Myers” at The Hope Horn Gallery through March 12.
"Romany Marie, 1920" is an oil painting by John Sloan.
Ratner explained that in the early 1900s, Americans preferred European art. Landscapes and portraits were primarily displayed, while urban scenes and American art were rarely shown.
At this time, Sloan and Myers were key figures in an emerging genre of art known as the Ashcan School. Their artwork took a distinctive humanistic approach through the portrayal of the urban realities of New York City.
“This was the battle line that John Sloan and Jerome Myers faced as they sought to portray a new and vital art — the first authentic art movement in America,” said Ratner.
Myers and Sloan’s portrayal of authentic scenes of New York City mirrored the social issues of the early 1900s, depicting overpopulation, immigration in the Lower East Side, poverty and urbanization.
One piece Ratner showed during his presentation, titled “Christmas Dinner” by Myers, depicts people in line to receive dinner. A similar piece by Sloan called “Coffee Line” depicts unemployed men in line for free coffee on a cold winter night. These pieces portray how both artists brought urban life to the forefront of their paintings and acknowledged issues that were not commonly addressed by the upper-class.
Ratner presented biographical information about the artists from Sloan’s diaries and Myers' autobiography, noting both artists came from impoverished backgrounds, which influenced their perception of the world and their art. Sloan and Myers lived in New York City and became friends, sharing a concern for justice and humanity and an appreciation for simple scenes that made them key figures in the Ashcan School.
The opening lecture and gallery reception were held in conjunction with downtown Scranton’s First Fridays events.
The exhibit is co-sponsored by the Judaic Studies Program at The University of Scranton and is supported by The Pennsylvania Council on the Arts.
The Hope Horn Gallery is located on the fourth floor of Hyland Hall. The gallery is open Sunday through Friday, from noon to 4 p.m., and on Wednesdays from 6 to 8 p.m.
