Analyzing Local Art at the MIA

I'm quite a lucky person, as I live close to the Minneapolis Institute of Art over in the Whittier neighborhood. I find myself visiting there often, and though much of it's space is filled with permanant pieces on display, every time I go I find something new and unique.

As an art student, I've had to hone my observaiton and analysis skills, so i foten find myself doing so on certian pieces. I thought since this is something I do often, I should share a bit about one of my favorite pieces on permamnat display at the MIA.

The piece of work I chose to observe at the MIA this week was Morris Topchevsky’s “Strike Breakers (Company Violence)” from 1937.

This work was done in the medium of Oil on Canvas, which given the historical uses of oil on canvas could suggest the artist thought this moment in time would make history, or be worth remembering. Though the size of the canvas was slightly smaller than the traditional Historical size.

This piece first caught my eye because of the chaotic scene, in the foreground there are soldiers with what seem like guns dawned in gas masks, shooting up into the sky – and some towards the people in the buildings- with large clouds of smoke. This could indicate the use of weapons or some sort of gas. As someone who is passionate about Unions and the struggles of the working class people, I felt a personal connection to the piece which was furthered by the mood that was set by the artist.

The strokes used on these soldiers are broad and more defined than seen on the rest of the piece. The buildup of paint when you see it in person is much larger on these portions of the painting than anywhere else. Which could help indicate that the real subject matter isn’t the people on strike, but rather the retaliation to the strike (the violence at the hands of those who are supposed to protect). While coming to this realization, it brought me back to the riots of 2020 and it was difficult to not draw some parallels between the two time periods.

Above them in buildings are screaming workers on strike, with a sign that reads ‘don’t scab.’ For those who may not know, scabbing is the act of taking a job in a place where the workers are actively striking. The brush strokes used for them are more expressive and not as clear, indicating that the subject of the painting isn’t the workers on strike, but rather the violence that is ensuing below them.

In the back there’s a sheriff looking bored, merely outlined, looking away from the scene, towards the viewer. the way he stares at us indicates his lack of interest in the situation, giving a cold unempathetic gaze. The piece has energetic strokes which adds to the chaotic, lively feel of the piece. Their colors; blue, black, green give off a dour mood full of anger and violence. The colors imply not only the mood, but that perhaps this event is taking place during the night. Many instances have shown in history that when parties retaliate against strikers/protestors, it happens during the night time, because there are less witnesses.

You can tell in the way the piece is created that the artist - Topchevsky - was sympathetic to the striker's cause and perhaps even appauled at the way they were treated in this situation.

In a day and age where you could not as easily take pictures of night scenes such as this, he used his craft to document the incident as well as emphasize the violence of the incident.