Striker (self-portrait) 1941

James Duard Marshall created this self-portrait, titled "Striker", using graphite on paper. The work immediately strikes us with its dramatic contrast of light and shadow, achieved through dense, directional hatching. The composition is tight, almost claustrophobic, focusing intensely on the figure’s face and hands. The upward gaze and strained expression, combined with the implied upward movement of the figure, suggest a moment of intense physical exertion or perhaps confrontation. The stark contrasts aren't just representational; they are structural elements that evoke a sense of unease and tension. We see the artist experimenting with a play of presence and absence. Marshall uses the semiotic system of light to construct a visual language of labor and struggle. The upward angle and the wood beam imply the figure is in a subservient position, perhaps a manual labourer. This work challenges traditional notions of self-portraiture, offering instead a raw, unfiltered glimpse into the artist’s physical and psychological state. The rough texture and stark contrasts serve as a commentary on the nature of work, reflecting broader socio-economic issues of the time.