Definition
Bernard Perland Perlin (1918–2014) was an American painter known for his contributions to Social Realism and later for his exploration of abstract expressionist techniques. His work often addressed political and social themes, notably the New Deal era and civil rights issues.
Overview
Born on July 30, 1918, in Brooklyn, New York, Perlin studied at the Art Students League of New York under mentors such as Reginald Marsh. He gained early recognition during the 1930s and 1940s, receiving commissions from federal art programs, including the Works Progress Administration (WPA). His most celebrated painting, The New Deal (1939), depicts a group of ordinary Americans standing before a mural of President Franklin D. Roosevelt, symbolizing hope in a time of economic hardship.
During World II, Perlin served in the U.S. Army and later continued his artistic career in New York, exhibiting at venues such as the Whitney Museum of American Art. In the 1950s and 1960s he shifted toward more lyrical abstraction, while still retaining an undercurrent of social commentary. Perlin taught at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) and continued to paint until his death in 2014.
Etymology/Origin
The surname “Perlin” is of Ashkenazi Jewish origin, likely derived from the Germanic personal name “Bernd” (a form of Bernard) combined with the diminutive suffix “‑lin.” The given name “Bernard” originates from the Germanic elements bern “bear” and hard “brave, hardy.”
Characteristics
- Artistic Style: Initially aligned with Social Realism, emphasizing representational depictions of everyday life and political themes. Later works incorporated abstract expressionist elements, characterized by gestural brushwork and vivid coloration.
- Subject Matter: Frequently addressed contemporary social issues, including labor movements, government policies, and civil rights. His figurative works often feature crowds, workers, and symbolic settings.
- Medium: Primarily oil on canvas; also produced murals and smaller gouache studies.
- Notable Works: The New Deal (1939), The Migrant Mother (1941), The City (1952), and a series of abstract compositions from the 1960s.
- Recognition: Recipient of a Guggenheim Fellowship (1954), multiple awards from the National Academy of Design, and inclusion in major public collections such as the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) and the Smithsonian American Art Museum.
Related Topics
- Social Realism (art movement)
- Works Progress Administration (WPA) Federal Art Project
- American Abstract Expressionism
- 20th‑century American art
- New Deal era cultural policies
- Jewish American artists of the 20th century