The Industrial Midwest is a key battleground in this year’s presidential campaign, as both major parties pledge to bring jobs back to a once prosperous region now known as the Rust Belt. Some area residents think that’s an embarrassing term, evoking decay and failure. Others have embraced it as a description of grit and authenticity. Cleveland’s deep relationship with its industrial heritage can be seen in the work of artists, both local and national. ideastream’s Senior Arts reporter David C. Barnett reports that it’s a complicated connection.
Thomas Edison’s incandescent light bulb paved the way for modern day life. Patented over 100 years ago, and produced at GE in the City of East Cleveland at Nela Park, the light bubl replaced oil and gas lamps, and candles. But getting the American people to give this new technology a try was a challenge; to convince them, GE turned to one of the most trusted voices of that time - painter Norman Rockwell.
On view at the Dublin arts council in Ohio, is a rarely viewed collection of works from Pulitzer prize-winning photojournalist Eddie Adams. Adams, who died in 2004, was best known for his 1969 award-winning image “Saigon Execution.” His widow, Alyssa, and Hal Buell, his photo editor at the Associated Press, reflect upon the work and career of the late photographer.
And we head to the Museum of Modern Art in New York for a look at the sculptures of artist Pablo Picasso. the exhibit provides rare opportunity to explore an aspect of Picasso’s long and prolific career that’s seldom seen.
Ann Temkin, Chief Curator, MoMA
Hal Buell, Retired Photo Editor, Associated Press
Andrew Borowiec, Photographer
Eliese Goldbach, Writer
Richey Piiparinen, Urban Planner
Ronald Sims, Graffiti Artist
Christine Mauersberger, Artist