“Poor Room” is a still life artwork created by Ivan Albright between 1957 and 1963. Executed in oil on canvas, this work belongs to the Magic Realism art movement and measures 121.9 by 94 centimeters. The piece is currently housed at the Art Institute of Chicago in Chicago, Illinois, United States.
The artwork presents a richly detailed and densely textured scene, depicting a cluttered and decaying space viewed through a window. Every element within the composition draws attention to the meticulous rendering of decay and disarray. The scene features a cascade of objects, fabrics, and textures, all contributing to a palpable sense of neglect and abandonment. Ivan Albright employs a realistic yet fantastical approach, enhancing the grotesque beauty of the disheveled room. The use of dark and muted tones accentuates the eerie and morose atmosphere, further enveloping the viewer in the melancholic aura exuded by the artwork.
