Unemployed c. 1935

George Wiggins made this print, Unemployed, with lithography. It’s all about marks, the way the image emerges from a flurry of tiny strokes. This piece feels urgent, as if the artist wanted to capture the scene quickly. Look at how Wiggins creates the crowd, a sea of faces and signs. The textures are built up, hatched and cross-hatched, creating depth and shadow. The speaker's outstretched arm and the signs punctuate the scene with their message. Notice the way the light falls across the crowd, highlighting certain figures and leaving others in shadow. The paper itself becomes part of the image, its whiteness peeking through the dark lines. This work reminds me of Jacob Lawrence, another artist who captured the struggles and triumphs of everyday people. Both artists use a kind of shorthand to convey complex emotions and experiences. Ultimately, this print invites us to reflect on the human condition, the cycles of history, and the ongoing struggle for a better world.