DAVID SHUBOW (1913-1998) MOMENTS WITH GENIUS. Circa 1936. 22x14 inches, 56x35 1/2 cm. WPA Art Project, Chicago. Condition A- / B+: abrasions in image; discoloration along bottom edge. Silkscreen. Printed on card. "One of the most fascinating and vital developments of American graphic design took place between 1935 and 1943 . . . it was an innovative time, characterized by experimentation, fresh ideas and avant-garde thinking [which created] poster art more vital than any this country has ever known" (WPA p. 13). During these years the Works Progress Administration (WPA) printed an unprecedented two million posters. They covered such diversified fields as arts, education, travel, health and safety. WPA posters were also interesting from a stylistic point of view. With their simple, stylized, often geometric approach and clear typography, they introduced the American masses to modernist graphic design. "The posters that the WPA / FAP [Federal Art Project] artists created to promote FAP activities represent some of their most accomplished work . . . the FAP's activities were designed not merely to employ artist but to expand the audience for art" (WPA p. 37). Previously unattributed we now know this to be the work of David Shubow. For the People p. 137.
