Shampoo c. 1935 - 1943

This is Paul Weller's "Shampoo", a linocut printed on paper. The linocut technique involves cutting a design into a sheet of linoleum, inking the surface, and pressing it onto paper, so that only the uncut areas leave an impression. The final print carries with it the marks of the artist's hand and the qualities of the linoleum, with its texture, weight, and capacity to hold color. The use of linoleum, a common, affordable material, adds a layer of social context to the work. The graphic style and bold colors evoke a sense of everyday life. Linocuts are relatively simple to produce, and are used in both fine art and commercial contexts. The artist's choice to engage with this method speaks to a wider engagement with the world of craft and design, in addition to the fine arts. Thinking about the materials, the making process, and the broader social context is essential to understanding the full meaning of this striking print.