Saturday 1936 - 1937

Kathleen Blackshear created this print, Saturday, using woodcut on paper. The stark contrast between black and white immediately draws the eye, creating a scene of bustling activity with its bold lines and shapes. The composition is structured around three figures: a woman holding a package, another woman with a 'sale' bag, and a child between them. The background, filled with a brick wall and signs, adds a sense of depth. The artist plays with patterns and textures, from the brickwork to the checkered dress, creating a visually rich surface. Blackshear uses the semiotic system of signs to denote social class and status. The figures’ clothing, the groceries, and the setting all point to a working-class environment. This print challenges fixed meanings of representation by highlighting everyday experiences.