Desuetude

Loosely translating as a "state of disuse," Fastovsky's title certainly applies to this rural scene. We see what appears to be a boarded-up chicken coop and other farm outbuildings inside a walled enclosure--although the abandonment seems recent given visible footpaths and a lack of overgrowth. Relatively high-key colors sidestep the dark tragedy of family farmers no longer present. In trial law, "desuetude" refers to statutes so long unenforced that they have become obsolete; perhaps in this case the intent is to link a particular farm to longer-term, systemic neglect that has resulted in many other farm abandonments.

About the Painter: Born in Chernobyl, Russia, Fastovsky studied at the Imperial Academy of Arts in Kiev before immigrating to the US in 1913 and becoming a citizen in 1921. He showed his work at Municipal Art Galleries, New York, in 1938. Fastovsky legally changed his name to Isaac Foster in 1946 and by 1955 was living in Tuscon, AZ, showing his paintings at local sites and restoring old canvases. Looking back upon his work for various federal art projects, he estimated that he had created 40-50 paintings during this period: “Someday I’m going to visit various state and federal buildings throughout the country and see if I can locate the pictures. I don’t have any idea where they’re hanging now” (Arizona Daily Star 16 Oct. 1955: 24). 9 more images at FAP.

Fastovsky, Isaac, 1889-1980

Oil painting

19.5 x 23.5 in.

Condition: surface dirt, tack marks