The picture shows a town square. at the center a sculpture on a pedestal of a seated man at his desk. 4 figures are walking mechanically in separate directions.

Context / Artistic maturity. The year is 1956. Gibson Byrd is 33 years old. Has has completed both his BA and MFA from the University of Iowa. Started teaching at the Central School of Art only to be interrupted by WW2 and serving as a B-17 engineer and top turret gunner. Returning from the war he married Benita Springer with whom he had 2 children. Appointed director of the Kalamazoo Art Center from 1950 he joins the University of Wisconsin-Madison Art Department faculty in 1955.
This is a mature work by the artist the technique, composition and story telling all converge into one complex original and beautiful artwork.

Byrd is a figurative artist but nonetheless he brings aspects of modern abstraction and surrealism to carry on his message. An artist-observer, Byrd’s work explored human loneliness and isolation, frequently provided social commentary, showcased social fairness and justice.