Untitled (Workers) c. 1935 - 1943

Here we see a lithograph of workers by John Johnson. Born in 1900, Johnson's life and art were shaped by the economic hardships and social upheavals of the 20th century. Johnson, like many artists of his time, turned to the working class as a symbol of resilience and dignity. The print shows a group of laborers, their faces etched with determination, toiling in what appears to be a factory setting. The artist captures the physical strain and the collective spirit of the workers. Notice how the figures are rendered with a sense of monumentality, their bodies strong and capable despite the demanding labor. The print complicates traditional representations by dignifying labor. Johnson offers an alternative narrative, one that acknowledges the importance of the working class in shaping the social landscape. It serves as a reminder of the human cost of progress and the ongoing struggle for economic justice.