New York | 1965

New York, 1965, by Frederick E. Conway

This striking American Airlines travel poster by Frederick E. Conway captures the dazzling energy of Times Square at night. Painted in a loose, expressive style, the scene is dominated by vibrant neon lights, billboards, and theater marquees reflecting off the wet streets. Bold reds, yellows, and blues contrast with deep shadows. The illuminated signs advertise famous venues such as the Roseland Ballroom and Times Square itself, while the “Hello, Dolly!” marquee hints at the Broadway theatre culture of the time. Reflections in the puddles and the blurred brushstrokes add a painterly impression of the city’s non-stop motion. The bold typography at the bottom emphasizes the destination, with “NEW YORK NEW YORK” appearing in strong, capitalized letters alongside the American Airlines logo.

New York in the 1960s was a city of contrasts. It was an era of both artistic and cultural flourishing and urban challenges. While Broadway was thriving, with shows like Hello, Dolly! and Funny Girl, Times Square was also beginning to see the effects of urban decline, with rising crime rates and economic struggles. Despite this, it remained a global symbol of entertainment, energy, and possibility, drawing tourists from around the world.

Frederick E. Conway (1900–1973) was an American painter and muralist known for his expressive and atmospheric depictions of urban life. He studied at the St. Louis School of Fine Arts and the Académie Julian in Paris before becoming a long-time professor at Washington University in St. Louis. His work often reflected a fascination with light and movement, making him well-suited to illustrate the energy of Times Square. In addition to commercial work, Conway contributed murals to public spaces and government buildings.