Art that Transcends Time

Historic mural at VOA featured in local TV program

Although VOA is known for its reliable multimedia news broadcasting, visitors to VOA headquarters get a bonus – murals by internationally known Depression-era artist Ben Shahn.   They were recently featured on local public television station WETA’s program Around Town, a celebration and discussion of local arts.  Program panelist Peter Winant, a sculpture professor at George Mason University, visited VOA to highlight the artwork for a segment in the weekly program.

The mural, named “The Meaning of Social Security,” depicts life before and after the creation of Social Security.  “Shahn’s work spans the human condition in ways that embody different kinds of states of being for individuals, such as classes and age group,” Winant explains.  The mural contrasts dreary images of child labor, unemployment and old age with lively images of job security on opposite walls.

In the video Winant makes reference to a contract signing depicted on the West Wall.  It demonstrates how Social Security serves as a social contract.   “The mural really shows that Social Security is a two-way street.  The society is secured when the people are gainfully and purposefully working,” elaborates Winant.

In times when Social Security is a constant topic in politics Winant points out, “This is one of the powerful things about successful art: When art is functioning well, it speaks to things that transcend time.”  The work of socially-based artists such as Shahn helps guide society to a better place.

To check out the work of Ben Shahn and other artists whose work is displayed at the Wilbur J. Cohen building, visit VOA’s website.   Shahn’s work can be viewed as part of VOA’s studio tours or as the main feature of our Special Art Tour.  To come see it in person , schedule a tour with us by emailing tickets@voanews.com or calling (202) 203-4990.