William Gropper: Artist of the People

William Gropper (1897–1977), a leading figure in American social realism and a renowned political cartoonist, takes center stage once again with Artist of the People, a retrospective at The Phillips Collection in Washington, DC. Open from October 17, 2024, to January 5, 2025, this exhibition offers a profound exploration of Gropper’s commitment to justice and his bold resistance against authoritarianism through art.

Creating during some of the most turbulent times of the 20th century, Gropper used his work to confront social injustices, racism, and fascism. His cartoons for Yiddish, leftist, and mainstream press outlets gained prominence for their early warnings about Hitler’s rise and the dangers of antisemitism. The exhibition’s first gallery focuses on Gropper’s wartime political cartoons, critiquing Axis powers and the delayed U.S. entry into World War II. While some works reflect the biases of their time, others, such as The Murderers Spill Our Blood (1943), remain powerful indictments of Nazi atrocities.

The second gallery delves into Gropper’s preparatory works for New Deal murals and his incisive critiques of domestic injustices, from McCarthy-era red-baiting to Jim Crow-era racial terror. Among the highlights is Blacklist, a lithograph that vividly captures Gropper’s defiance against McCarthy’s persecution. This section underscores the artist’s determination to confront oppression while demonstrating the enduring relevance of his work.

Gropper’s art goes beyond criticism, showing how creativity can serve as a tool for resistance and resilience. His bold and innovative strokes remind us of the power of art in the fight for justice. Artist of the People is not just a reflection on the past but a call to action for the present and future. Gropper’s work stands as a timeless testament to the enduring struggle for equality and freedom.