University of Wisconsin Oshkosh - Quiver Yearbook (Oshkosh, WI)

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 THE LEGEND OF THE MURAL The first panels in the left corner of the mural are symbolical of Indian life. The spirit of the Indian chief in the misty sky is looking ahead into the future to see the change from Indian life to white man’s industrialism. The young chief observes an approaching group of canoes, wondering if the visit is to l e hostile or friendly. The seated brave and the one hesitating in action are awaiting a command from the chief. The Indian boy is interested in anticipating the action of the chief and braves. The squaw grinding grain symlxdizes the industry of Indian life. The figure on the horse watches a herd of buffalo feeding across the valley. A symbolical triangle is thus formed with the chief in one angle representing government, the mounted Indian the hunter and explorer, and the seated squaw domestic life. The storm qnd lake elements serve a three-fold purpose. First it is necessary to contrast the warm color of the hill with a cool color, second the storm symlxil-izes the struggle between the Indian and the white race, and third the lake area serves as a rest space. In the next panel an Indian chief and brave turn over the American forest to the white settlers and loggers. This is accomplished under the spirit of Paul Bunyan, who strides through the mist of the sky followed by Babe the blue ox. After the forest has been transferred from Indian to white man another rest space is introduced, using a triangular shape of pine trees. This shape repeats the triangular motive of the yellow hill. The sky grows brighter. Trees thin out as the action and movement of lumberjacks is brought into play. The conclusion to the logging camp is the industrial city. Here the spirit of Industry hovers over the buildings, the sky logins to cloud again, and a feeling of unrest and indecision is obtained by strongly contrasted diagonal movement. A bridge in the final panel offers a symbol of transition into the future. The mural was painted under the direction of the Public Works of Art Project of the United States Government. It was begun in May 1934 and finished in December of the same year. Pose 1