World's Greatest Comics
Object Description
Two boys occupy a playground, but instead of running, jumping, or swinging, they read comics. A massive building looms behind them, its stark features contributing an eerie sense of isolation to the scene. Shahn painted World’s Greatest Comics in the aftermath of World War II, and in a 1957 interview he explained that he had been searching in the '40s for a symbolism that would allow him to “formulate the sense of emptiness and waste that the war gave me, and the sense of the littleness of people trying to live on through the enormity of war.”
Alone in this desolate playground, the two boys find an escape in comics, suggesting the resilience of human imagination amid hardship. But at the same time, the boys are isolated from one another. Positioned on opposite sides of the playground, they leave behind a shared reality in favor of their own private imaginings.
—Text taken from the Carter Handbook (2023)
Object Details
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We the People: Picturing American IdentityJune 15–September 8, 2013
This exhibition focuses on the fluidity of national identity through the creations of American artists, particularly in key moments in history when the definition of a singular American identity was challenged and ultimately reshaped.
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From Remington to O’Keeffe: The Carter’s Greatest HitsOctober 6, 2018–March 22, 2019
During the renovation, this exhibition features highlights from the permanent collection, including paintings, photographs, and sculptures, by some of America’s most renowned artists.
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Teacher Resources
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How can color, line, and shape represent objects?
How might the style, color palette, and composition affect the mood of a work of art?
How has childhood, and the place of childhood in the national imagination, changed throughout time?
How might a work of art reflect an artist’s or a community’s lived experiences?
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Grades 4–8
After looking closely at the work of art, ask students if this looks like a playground they would want to play on. Have them elaborate on why or why not. As a group, discuss what makes an ideal playground: What types of activities should be available? How much space should it take up? What materials should it be made from? What color scheme should be presented? It is important to have students explain their preferences as there are many possible answers to these questions.
Students will then reimagine the playground in this work of art. Using any media you are exploring with your students, ask students to create an ideal playground for the children in this scene.
Grades 9–12
Students will consider the types of activities they did as a younger child or they do currently that are introspective (reading, listening to music on headphones, doodling, etc.). Using the media of their choice, students will create an artwork depicting a moment of introspection.