In his review for Hyperallergic of a new MOMA exhibit, Thomas Micchelli writes about the work of artists during and immediately after their experiences in World War II. In the exhibit, Soldier, Spectre, Shaman: The Figure and the Second World War, Micchelli claims that the 20th century art historical record finally will be reconciled with the inclusion of figurative art from this period. Figurative art, according to Micchelli, has been largely left out when discussing the art of this period due to the post-war era’s need to portray the brutality of war with realistic form, at the expense of the figurative art that features in this current collection.
A Figurative Recovery from War
Michelle Vider
Michelle Vider is a writer based in Philadelphia. Her work has appeared/is forthcoming in The Toast, Lady Churchill’s Rosebud Wristlet, Atlas and Alice, Baldhip Magazine, and others. Find her at michellevider.com or @meanchelled.