Poker Players c. 1935 - 1940

Jack Markow created this black and white woodcut titled ‘Poker Players’. Markow came of age during the Great Depression. This work reflects the social realism movement through its depiction of working-class men engaged in a tense, intimate game of poker. The stark contrast of black and white creates a mood of quiet desperation. Economic struggles may have led these men to gambling, searching for an escape from poverty. The presence of a bottle suggests the game may be fuelled by alcohol, hinting at the emotional weight of their situation. Markow’s print invites us to consider the complicated relationship between masculinity, labor, and leisure. There is an undeniable tension in the composition, the players are deeply absorbed. The scene is illuminated by a harsh, singular light bulb. This evokes a sense of confinement and secrecy. Through ‘Poker Players,’ Markow offers a glimpse into the lives of those on the margins, capturing both their vulnerability and their resilience.