Schoolgirl 

Charles Blackman created this striking image using oil paint, a medium with a rich history tied to both artistic expression and commercial production. The visible brushstrokes and the texture of the paint contribute to the work's emotional depth. The painting's somber mood and limited palette, dominated by blues and muted tones, evoke a sense of isolation and melancholy. Blackman's choice of oil paint invites us to consider the broader implications of his work, in regards to labor and societal expectations. The process of painting, with its repetitive gestures and long hours, mirrors the routines and restrictions that children may experience within the social system. By focusing on the material and the artist's process, we recognize that "Schoolgirl" is not just a representation of an individual, but a commentary on childhood, labor, and societal structures.