The Race, Irving Norman

Archive Label: Irving Norman’s paintings are highly detailed, monumental visions that depict the horrors of war, the pain of poverty, the inequity of capitalism, and the congestion of cities. The Race is a commentary on the state of our society - constantly hurried, ever struggling to get ahead, and often going nowhere. Norman lures the viewer into the painting through humor and color, but delivers a powerful blow to those realizing that this race represents our lives. Born in Poland, Norman emigrated to the United States in 1923. A man of strong social conscience Norman underwent a life-transforming experience in 1938 when he voluntarily enlisted in the international brigade fighting to defend the Spanish Republic against the fascist forces of General Francisco Franco. After returning from service, Norman began to express his rage and disillusionment through art. He moved to San Francisco in 1940 and began training at the California School of Fine Arts and later continued his study at the Art Students League in New York. He Settled near Half Moon Bay, California, Where he painted until his death in 1989.