Wind in Little Mexico 1940

Wind in Little Mexico was made by William Majors in 1965, using graphite on paper. It’s a lithograph print, meaning that the image was likely drawn onto a flat stone or metal plate, then chemically treated so that only the drawn areas would accept ink. The even, grey tonality seen here results from a skilled application of this process. Notice how the varying pressure of the artist's hand creates depth, giving the scene a tactile, almost sculptural quality. As a print, “Wind in Little Mexico” would have been made in multiple, allowing Majors to share his vision widely. The printmaking process itself has a long association with social movements and activism, providing a relatively inexpensive way to disseminate images and ideas. Consider the amount of labor required to create such a detailed image, and the implications of reproducing it for a larger audience. It really makes you think about art's role in reflecting and engaging with society.