Judge — October 23, 1926 — page 20: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This page satirizes a contemporary art exhibition on Third Avenue, mocking both the artworks and artists on display. The satire targets modernist and avant-garde art movements through exaggerated titles and absurd descriptions. Notable pieces include: - **"Deep River"**: A racist caricature—a watermelon sculpture attributed to "Lulu Belle Mulcahy," invoking stereotypes about Black Americans and watermelons. - **"Venus"** and **"Spring"**: Abstract/post-expressionist sculptures presented as intentionally obscure or pretentious. - **"Swat's Swat"**: A fly-paper design mockingly presented as serious artistic achievement. The humor relies on presenting lowbrow or ridiculous objects as high art, reflecting widespread 1920s-era skepticism toward modernism. The racist imagery reflects the era's casual prejudice in mainstream publications.