Backyard

We look out from an elevated view towards a small lawn, enclosed between several city apartment buildings of varying sizes. An added layer of fence and trees can be seen between the apartments and lawn as well. The straight lines of the buildings contrast heavily to the curved and organic shapes of the trees and lawn. This gives a sense of uniformity to the man-made elements compared to a fluidity in the natural ones. The apartments take up a large portion of the print with their rigid verticality, that extends out of frame, leaving no clear skies visible. The view feels extremely small and communal, something that may not be thought of alongside the idea of a backyard in America. Compare Backyard to Faye's similar print, Old Apartment House, showing neglected neighborhoods surrounded by industrial zones. Both give a notion of how valued privacy can be amidst the density of urban structures. The actual yard of the print is very small compared to other elements and is heavily obstructed by trees and buildings. One lone person can be seen on the bottom of the print. With no discernable features about the person, they are simply a neighbor to the viewer. The perspective gives a sense that you are meant to be looking out of your own apartment window: what you see as your "backyard" really is the lives of all the other people surrounding you.

About the Artist

Harold K. Faye was born in La Grange, Illinois. Faye pursued formal training at the AIC, Art Institute of Chicago. He made his way to New York City in his early 20s and enrolled in the National Academy of Design like many others of the time. Faye specialized in graphic prints, or lithographs, throughout his entire career. His works primarily depicted New York’s working-class locations and experiences, choosing not to idealize city life. Often favored industrial locations, like factories and locomotives, and densely constructed areas. He often featured smokestacks and dark-colored skies in his works. This was possibly drawing on social themes of urban density and pollution-stricken living. Working-class Americans were not privileged with affording nice living spaces. Faye was never a particularly famous artist but was featured in several FAP and AIC exhibits throughout the late 1930s for his lithographic work. Later in life, Faye pursued a career in cartography, moving on from city lithographs to map-making. Faye began exploring industrial design, and used his background in art to create exceptional maps for several books and magazines . Harold Faye passed away in 1980 in Irving, NY. 6 works at Memorial Art Gallery. 1 work at Hudson River Museum. 5 works at National Gallery of Art. 16+ works at US GSA. 2 works at Museum of NYC. 9 more images at FAP.

Faye, Harold (1910 - 1980)

Pallotta, Florence (description and biography)

Helquist, Morgan (photography)

New Deal Museum, Mount Morris NY

Object #FA 1216

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Lithograph on paper

Image: 9 7/8 x 12 in.
Sheet: 11 1/2 x 16 in.