The artwork titled “Applicants waiting for jobs in front of FERA offices” is a 1935 creation by artist Ben Shahn, belonging to the Social Realism art movement. The genre of this artwork is photo.
In the artwork, a group of men, possibly seeking employment, is depicted standing in a line or gathering outside an office. Their expressions and postures suggest anticipation, hope, and the stress of unemployment during what appears to be the Great Depression era. The signage in the background, advertising low-cost services and items, reinforces the economic struggles of the period. The composition of the photograph captures a moment in time with a sense of candid realism, bringing attention to the social plight of the individuals portrayed.
