One Clear Day 1938

William Elijah Smith made "One Clear Day" in 1938, presumably using a block of wood, gouges and ink. The composition is tight, built from clear divisions of black and white. It's almost claustrophobic; the figure trapped in the foreground by the window bars. Smith is looking out at the world—or perhaps away from himself. I wonder what he was thinking when he made this. The man is in shadow. The crisp lines of the building outside contrast with the scratchy textures on the ground. Look at the way the white lines are carved into his clothing, suggesting volume. The artist's hand seems to be pushing against something—the material, the image, the world. It reminds me of other artists like Jacob Lawrence, Romare Bearden, or Elizabeth Catlett, all of whom used a similar language to discuss social issues. Ultimately, "One Clear Day" speaks to that ongoing conversation between artists across time.