Tempest

In Moir's murky, expressionist print, the inner state of its subject at center has overwhelmed the world around him. Or perhaps it's simply understandable how, given the dark and claustrophobic setting, a person's psychic state would be tempestuous. This permeable condition is created by a blurring between the edges of objects and their surroundings; figure and ground are very indistinct, as with a woman standing at left. Given her pose, and the man's seated position, it's possible that we're in a subway car or public bus--a claustrophobic proximity with strangers. Viewers see the simmering anger on the man's face, but perhaps no one else does.

Moir, Robert (1917 - 1981)

Cooper, Ken (description)

Helquist, Morgan (photography)

New Deal Museum, Mount Morris NY

Object #FA 1323

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Lithograph on paper

Image: 10 1/2 x 17 in.
Sheet: 14 1/2 x 23 in.