Civil Works Administration Workers on the Mall 1934

Sheffield Harold Kagy made this print of Civil Works Administration Workers on the Mall in 1934. The bold shapes and high contrast feels like a real statement, a visual shout. Look at how Kagy used stark black and white to carve out these figures. It’s all about the push and pull, the give and take between the dark and light spaces. The physical process of cutting into the block is so clear, you can almost feel the artist's hand at work. I am particularly drawn to the texture on the ground; it’s this field of stubby marks that create a sense of depth. The whole image feels so solid, like a monument, especially compared to someone like Jacob Lawrence, whose paintings from the same era are looser and more fluid. Here, Kagy really embraced the graphic power of printmaking. It’s a strong reminder that art-making isn’t just about pretty pictures; it’s about digging in and making your mark.