The artwork, titled “Juanito Laguna Ciruja,” is a creation by Antonio Berni from the year 1978. It belongs to the Social Realism and Junk Art movements and is a part of the genre painting category. This piece is also a segment of the larger “Juanito Laguna” series, which showcases the artist’s social commentary.
In this particular artwork, a young boy, presumably Juanito Laguna, is depicted standing amidst a backdrop created from an assemblage of discarded materials and junk. The boy is dressed in patched and worn clothing, and his expression seems to convey a sense of resilience and determination. The use of actual waste and junk materials to construct the environment around Juanito amplifies the social realist message, emphasizing themes of poverty and human dignity. The sky above, painted with a soft gradient, contrasts with the chaotic and rough textures of the junk below, further highlighting the harsh realities faced by marginalized individuals. This artwork poignantly captures the struggles and the indomitable spirit of those living in impoverished conditions through Berni’s masterful combination of painting and collage techniques.
