Norman Rockwell, The Problem We All Live With, 1963This post may contain affiliate links.
If you make a purchase, My Modern Met may earn an affiliate commission.
yo readour disclosurefor more info.
Norman Rockwell, “The Problem We All Live With,” 1963This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase, My Modern Met may earn an affiliate commission. Please readour disclosurefor more info.
Prior to the 1960s, Rockwell made a name for himself as the cover artist forThe Saturday Evening Post.
Who was Norman Rockwell?
Four years later, Rockwell would land a life-changing position atThe Saturday Evening Post,a popular bi-monthly magazine.
Norman Rockwell, “Triple Self-Portrait,” 1959
By the 1960s, Rockwell’s work remained popular with the public.
In 1963, however, he left his job atThe Saturday Evening Postand accepted a role atLook Magazine.
It is during his time withLookthat Rockwell’s interest in social justice emergedand his old approach to art dissipated.
That kind of stuff is dead now, and I think its about time.
What surrounds the young girl, however, is not typical.
This is highlighted by the offensive graffiti and thrown tomato surrounding her path to school.
Photo:Wikimedia Commons, Public domain
Set in what gives the impression of a suburban neighborhood, the scene prominently features a moving truck.
However, his Civil Rights-era paintingsespeciallyThe Problem We All Live Withare among his most powerful works of art.
Later, Bridges reflected on his comment.
Ruby Bridges with her portrait
Just having him say that meant a lot to me and it always has.
But to be standing shoulder to shoulder with history and viewing historyit’s just once in a lifetime.
Frequently Asked Questions
What doesThe Problem We All Live Withrepresent?
Norman Rockwell, “New Kids in the Neighborhood,” 1967
This painting is a form of visual commentary on racism and segregation in 1960s America.
Who is the girl inThe Problem We All Live With?
The girl in the painting is Ruby Bridges.
She was among the first African American students to be integrated in school when she was 6 years old.
What does the white dress symbolize inThe Problem We All Live With?
There is a sense of innocence with the white dress that Ruby wears.
Visually, the white dress is also a stark contrast to the young girl’s dark skin.
This high contrast and draws the viewer’s eye to her.
