Strike 1917

Grace Cossington Smith made ‘Strike’ using oil on board; you can really see her process in the strokes. There’s a rhythmic, almost musical, quality to the way she’s applied the paint. Looking closely, you’ll notice the thick, textured surface. The paint isn't blended smoothly but laid down in distinct strokes, creating a mosaic of colors that define the figures and landscape. The color palette is earthy, with muted browns and greens dominating, punctuated by small areas of brighter colors in the workers clothing and the pink path. The brushstrokes are quite visible, giving the painting a lively, almost vibrating quality. Check out the guy in the front – see the dark green strokes that make up his coat? They give the impression of weight and texture. The way these strokes are applied relates to the overall theme of the piece, a group of workers on strike, solid and standing together. I’m thinking of the raw directness of the German Expressionists. It's all about emotion.