Zach Horn, an artist and labor professor, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast and discussed his passion for creating and showcasing labor in his artwork. Horn recalled his first art show, which featured members of several Local Unions and his most recent show, which was held at the Teamsters Local 25 Union Hall.
Horn’s grandmother was a member of the American Federation of Teachers, and helped instill a passion for organized labor in him, along with a passion for art. As such, many of his portraits were inspired by organized labor. Horn discussed the difference between working-class subjects and aristocratic subjects shown in old paintings that inspired his Labor Advocacy art series. His first show, “United We Bargain, Divided We Beg,” featured the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 2222, Ironworkers Local 7, Boston Teachers Union and the Service Employee International Union Local 32BJ, a group of janitors at the University of Massachusetts.
Horn created a piece known as the “Arc of the Moral Universe,” which is located at the Teamsters Local 25 Union Hall. It represents UPS workers and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. This artwork features ink on cardboard to resemble the boxes delivered daily by the workers. Horn combined the artwork with quotes from Martin Luther King Jr. to showcase his support for organized labor.
Considered a “permanent piece,” it will last as long as the cardboard canvas holds up, which is a nod to much of the work performed in organized labor. Horn added that it is fitting that the piece showcases a moment in time for organized labor, and like the evolutions in the labor movement, the artwork will erode and change over time. He said showcasing labor and the working class in the correct light has always been his goal, and he hopes to continue these efforts.
For more about Zach Horn and his labor-focused art, please listen to the show above.
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