In the Eugene post office are two 6’×15’ murals covering the North and South ends of the post office Lobby. The two murals feature agriculture and lumbering which are some of the major local industries in the country. The mural on agriculture illustrates farmers in various activities; some transporting, others packing the harvests in bags. The other mural depicting lumbering shows individuals in activity sawing trees and working with timber.
There a general sense of activity and hard work among the people portrayed. The work does not seem to employ much technology implying it is a little historical. The painting was done by Carl Morris and the installation of the murals was completed in 1942 and the original cost of the project was $2,350. The murals portray the artist’s unique talent and the ability to capture the sense of color and time design.
Agriculture (above) and lumbering (below)
Carl Morris won the painting and sculpture competition of the US treasury and was commissioned to paint the murals for the different buildings. The representation of local industry and agriculture were requisite for winning the competition and Morris further represented the ideals of social realism in his various pieces of art. Social realism is generally a realistic depiction of contemporary life in art as means of political or social expression. The activities (agriculture and lumbering) were characteristic of the great depression in the 1930’s, which Morris was able to illustrate in his well-designed work of art.
Through this work of art Carl Morris succeeded in representing the concerns and intentions for which the post office was built in 1938; that was to support the local economies and workers during the great depression. The murals clearly depict the economic activities of the workers during that period. The post office was built as art of the public works administration public building program. During its construction special attention was paid to the art carried through the face of the building.
This year’s Oregon festival on American music, American concert festival features the two murals in Eugene Oregon post office on agriculture and lumbering. Morris’ pieces of art were selected as they reflect the theme of the OFAM music series. These murals are particularly appropriate as the year’s American composer’s series “on the shoulders of giants”. It reflects the theme of the common people as great and represents the spirit of artistic accessibility. In addition, the art in a way celebrates the struggle of common laborers portraying them as hard working and a great source of man power. The work encompasses several aspects of the depression era emphasizing our common heritage and place value, in daily life.
Generally, the murals at the Eugene post office are beautiful, intriguing, sophisticated, and elegant. They are among the most beautiful work of art in Oregon. This kind of art was chosen carefully and strategically to represent the economic activities of the workers during the period of the great depression. Throughout the years, the murals have continued to represent the period and the economic activities and attract attention. The murals at the Eugene post office are going to be featured in this year’s Oregon festivals. Throughout history they continue to embody our heritage and in particular the cultural and economic aspect of the people during the great depression.
