Four Linoblocks for 'The Acrobats' 

These are four linoblocks for 'The Acrobats' by Dorrit Black, an Australian artist who lived from 1891 to 1951. Black embraced modernism, studying in Europe and bringing avant-garde ideas back to Australia. Here, we see four separate blocks, each designed to print a different color and pattern, which, when combined, would create the final image of acrobats. The linocut technique itself, with its bold lines and graphic quality, was favored by many modern artists for its ability to create striking, socially relevant imagery. In the early 20th century, artists like Black were pushing against the established norms of academic art, seeking new ways to represent the world and challenge traditional values. By looking at Black’s influences and the artistic circles she moved in, we can better understand how she contributed to the development of modern art in Australia. Her work, like many others, reflects the changing social and cultural landscape of her time, where artists were increasingly engaging with the world around them.