Image Courtesy: Google Doodle
Antonio Berni (14 May 1905 – 13 October 1981) was an Argentine figurative artist. He is associated with the movement known as Nuevo Realismo (“New Realism”), an Argentine extension of social realism. His work, including a series of Juanito Laguna collages depicting poverty and the effects of industrialization in Buenos Aires, has been exhibited around the world.
Life and Career
Antonio Berni was an Argentine painter and engraver born on May 14, 1905, in Rosario, Argentina. He showed artistic talent from a young age and began his formal art education at the Academy of Fine Arts in Rosario. Later, he studied in Europe, particularly in Spain and Italy, where he was exposed to various artistic movements and styles.
Berni’s career spanned several decades, during which he developed a unique style that merged elements of social realism and surrealism. He is best known for his series of works featuring the character Juanito Laguna, a fictional boy who represented the struggles and hardships faced by the urban poor in Argentina.
Berni’s artistic output was diverse and included paintings, drawings, collages, and engravings. He often incorporated found objects and materials into his artworks, adding a distinct texture and depth to his compositions. His works tackled social issues such as poverty, inequality, and the impact of industrialization on society.
Antonio Berni passed away on October 13, 1981, in Buenos Aires, Argentina. His contributions to Argentine art and his innovative approach to addressing social themes have left a lasting impact on the art world.
Quote of Antonio Berni
Here is the following quote of the Antonio Berni
“Art is a social act. It’s not just for the privileged. It’s for everyone.”
Award and Legacy
In 2005 a compilation CD commemorating Berni’s 100th birthday included songs by César Isella, Marcelo San Juan, Dúo Salteño, Eduardo Falú, and Las Voces Blancas, as well as two short recordings of Berni speaking in interviews.
After his death, he was granted the Honour Konex Award as the most important deceased artist from Argentina, given by the Konex Foundation in 1982.
Berni’s legacy lies in his commitment to depicting the realities of marginalized communities and his use of art as a means of social commentary. His works continue to resonate with audiences, raising awareness about social inequality and the struggles faced by the working class.
On 14 May 2013, Google celebrated Antonio Berni’s 108th Birthday with a doodle.