New Deal Art: Anita Brenner and Cultural Bridge-Builders (Zoom event)

ZOOM Recording

By Harvey Smith
 
Despite the recent court decisions, the political battle over immigration has been reduced by some to a political dog whistle. Historically, the story of New Deal art, its initial advocates and its artists informs us with a deeper understanding of immigration, labor struggles and progressive values. Journalist Anita Brenner’s life, in particular, flies in the face of the current media hype about Mexico. Born in Mexico, and schooled in the U.S. and Mexico, her working adult life was split between north and south of the border. She was intrinsically both Mexican and “American” and strove to bridge the political and cultural gap between those on each side of the Rio Grande. She influenced George Biddle, who in turn influenced Franklin D. Roosevelt to develop a New Deal program for artists. Brenner’s interests included organized labor and the anti-fascist struggle in Spain. In her art criticism Brenner championed Mexican artists and New Deal art programs.