The artwork, titled “Juanito Pescando Entre Latas,” was created by Antonio Berni in 1972. It belongs to the art movements of Social Realism and Junk Art and is classified under the genre of genre painting. This piece exemplifies Berni’s adeptness at blending social commentary with artistic expression.
The artwork depicts a young boy, Juanito, engaged in fishing amidst a landscape overshadowed by discarded cans and other waste materials. Utilizing a combination of paint and collage, Berni masterfully integrates three-dimensional junk elements, illustrating the pervasive issue of pollution. The boy’s somber setting, contrasted against a backdrop of rich, warm hues, further amplifies the poignant message of environmental degradation and societal neglect. Through Juanito’s figure, stoically fishing amid the detritus, Berni vividly communicates the struggles and resilience of marginalized communities.
