Meaning: Ben Shahn, an American artist known for his social realist style, made this statement about Roy Stryker, a government official who played a crucial role in shaping the visual documentation of the Great Depression through the Farm Security Administration (FSA) photography project. The quote reflects Shahn's initial perception of Stryker as just another bureaucrat, but it also acknowledges Stryker's indispensable contribution to the success of the project.

The FSA photography project was initiated in the 1930s as part of the New Deal program under President Franklin D. Roosevelt's administration. Its primary objective was to document the impact of the Great Depression on rural and urban communities across the United States. Stryker, who was an economist and government official, was appointed to lead the project and was responsible for overseeing the team of photographers, including notable names such as Dorothea Lange, Walker Evans, and Arthur Rothstein.

Initially, Shahn's perception of Stryker as just another bureaucrat suggests a certain level of indifference or lack of recognition for Stryker's role in the project. It is possible that Shahn, as an artist involved in the project, may have underestimated Stryker's significance or dismissed him as a mere administrative figure. However, Shahn's subsequent realization that "without Roy this thing would have died" indicates a shift in his perspective and a newfound appreciation for Stryker's pivotal role in ensuring the project's success.

Stryker's impact on the FSA project was multifaceted. He not only provided logistical and administrative support but also played a crucial role in shaping the visual narrative and impact of the project. Stryker was known for his meticulous curation of the photographs, often providing detailed captions and context to accompany the images. His vision and direction ensured that the photographs captured the human stories and social realities of the era, effectively communicating the hardships and resilience of the American people during the Great Depression.

Furthermore, Stryker's advocacy for the use of photography as a tool for social change and awareness was instrumental in shaping the legacy of the FSA project. He recognized the power of visual storytelling and the potential of these photographs to influence public opinion and government policy. Stryker's efforts to exhibit and distribute the photographs to a wide audience contributed to raising awareness about the social and economic challenges faced by Americans during that tumultuous period.

Ben Shahn, who himself was a prominent artist involved in the FSA project, likely came to appreciate Stryker's indispensable role through his firsthand experience working within the project. As Shahn engaged with the photographs and witnessed the impact of the project's visual documentation, he may have recognized Stryker's instrumental contribution in orchestrating and nurturing the project to fruition.

In conclusion, Ben Shahn's quote encapsulates the evolving perception of Roy Stryker within the context of the FSA photography project. It highlights the transformation of indifference to recognition and appreciation for Stryker's pivotal role in preserving a visual legacy of a defining chapter in American history. Roy Stryker's vision, leadership, and commitment to documenting the human experience during the Great Depression left an enduring impact, and his collaboration with talented photographers like Shahn and others produced a body of work that continues to resonate with audiences today.