Primitive Boy c. 1929

James Lesesne Wells made this small print called 'Primitive Boy' using a woodcut technique. The stark black and white creates a striking contrast, doesn’t it? You can almost feel the pressure of the knife as it carved away the wood, leaving behind these strong lines and bold shapes. Look at how Wells defines the boy’s features with just a few simple cuts. There’s a real economy of means here, but it speaks volumes. The way he’s rendered the eye – just two lines, but so expressive! And the mouth, slightly parted, as if he’s about to say something. It’s all very deliberate, very considered. It's impossible to look at this portrait and not be reminded of the German Expressionists. Wells was part of the Harlem Renaissance, so his work often explored themes of identity and representation. Like his contemporary, Elizabeth Catlett, he really committed to portraying the lives and experiences of African Americans. What do you make of this piece?