Study drawing for Out of Many, One People 1962 

Barrington Watson made this study drawing, Out of Many, One People, in 1962. Executed in graphite on paper, this composition is a preparatory study. We can see the artist’s hand at work in the smudges and visible erasures, with each line carefully placed to define the features and clothing of the figures. The labor involved in drawing is evident. The artist uses a common material to portray a diverse group of people, each with their own story and background. The choice of graphite, a humble material, contrasts with the grand theme of national unity. The title, "Out of Many, One People," alludes to Jamaica's motto, celebrating its multicultural heritage. The drawing depicts a crowd of individuals representing various ethnic groups, classes, and ages, emphasizing the idea of a unified nation. By focusing on the process of creation and the materials used, we can appreciate the artist's intention to portray a unified nation through simple means. The drawing invites us to consider the relationship between labor, identity, and nation-building, challenging conventional notions of high art.