It goes deep. Much deeper than just a picture of what we can already see ... It's magical, really. Interpreting what's going on inside ... and then putting it on the outside. The real experience of living.
-- Alizée (chapter 2)

Importance: In this passage, Alizée explains the emotional interpretation of abstract art to Mrs. Roosevelt. She describes nonrepresentational art as 'magical' because it transforms internal feelings into abstract visuals. The WPA's main objective for its mural projects is to convey American life. Alizée argues that abstraction is another art form that is distinctly American, and as such, should be supported by the WPA. Impressed by Alizée's assertiveness and intrigued by her words, Mrs. Roosevelt looks into Abstract Expressionism. She later convinces the president and the head of the art division of the WPA to approve mural projects for Alizée and Lee. This conversation marks the beginning of Alizée's friendship with the...