Be Careful What You Wish For - Regionalism and Grant Wood
American Regionalism is a style of art that became popular during the 1930s. Among its prestigious practitioners are Edward Hopper, Thomas Hart Benton and Charles Burchfield. The goal of the American Scene Painters (another name by which they became known) was to depict life outside of large cities such as New York--in straightforward ways that everyone could understand and enjoy. Considered by some to be the founder of the movement was Grant Wood, who created the famous “American Gothic” -- which catapulted him to fame overnight. But that dream come true turned into a nightmare for Wood:
“No American artwork has been parodied more than American Gothic. Zombies, dogs, Beavis and Butthead, the Muppets, Lego figures, and even Nicole Richie and Paris Hilton have taken a turn with the pitchfork. But the painting itself is no joke -American Gothic is as recognizable as the Mona Lisa and The Scream.”