Arty Farty Friday ~ William Gropper, artist, cartoonist & radical .

 self-portrait

This artist's name was unfamiliar to me, but his subject matter echoes down the years to remain relevant still - only names and fashions change.

William (Bill) Gropper was born on 3 December 1897 in New York City, died, January 6, 1977. The six and a half minute video, below, provides a little biographical detail along with some examples of his work. The second part of the video concentrates on Gropper's drawings of the 1937 Youngstown, Ohio "Little Steel Strike".

From Heritage Gallery

William Gropper, a major painter of Social Realism and illustrator of political cartoons, was born in New York City in 1897. He studied with Robert Henri and George Bellows. He took realistic art and turned it into pungent critique of the ills of modern society. He spoke of the hypocrisy of its leaders, most notably members of the government in Washington. At the same time, his sympathy for the laborer, the displace person, and the underdog gave his art a humanitarian warmth that muffled any propagandistic shrillness. His incisive views are still relevant as we approach the 21st century. His works are in most major collections, including the Museum of Modern Art, New York, Whitney Museum of American Art, and the Metropolitan Museum.

Gropper’s best-known subject matter is the satiric caricature of America's wealthy and powerful, of politicians, and moguls of business and industry. In this era, his art is so relevant, It is, as though, the cycle has come in its full circle, pointing out the relevant elements that have made our society go wrong for the people. Ironically it was wealthy collectors who sought these images for their collections. Now the paintings, drawings and prints are purchased by collectors who see his meaning in today's world.

A few of his cartoons and one of his paintings

 The Sweatshop

ASTROLOGY

Chart set for 12 noon on 3 December 1897, New York City. Time of birth isn't known.

I suspect that Gropper's background as much as his astrology shaped the orientation of his artistry.
(Click on image for clearer version)

 From book by By Louis Lozowick

That he had Sun plus four planets in Sagittarius gave him unbounded enthusiasm, and with planet of the arts, Venus, conjunct Chiron in Scorpio he made his passion for his subject very clear. Without a time of birth rising sign isn't known - Aquarius would be a good bet!

Moon would have been in impetuous Aries whatever his time of birth, and likely in trine to one or more of his Sagittarius planets.

The pattern astrologers call a "mystic rectangle" showing clearly in the chart does depend on exact position of Moon, but this interpretation, from Cafe Astrology fits well

The Mystic Rectangle, or Rectangle, is comprised of two opposition aspects, connected with two trine and two sextile aspects. The harmonious trines and sextile aspects can be considered release points for the tension of the oppositions. The native can be attracted to important causes. There is a strong chance that the native will put his or her talents to work, or to good use.