Jujuy 1937

Antonio Berni created this painting called ‘Jujuy’ with oil paint, and I think it's interesting how he’s pushing a muted palette right up against bright reds and yellows, creating a striking contrast. The application of the paint is quite smooth, almost blended in places, but then you see these small details, like the lines describing the folds of the poncho, or the tiny white marks suggesting a woven texture. These marks feel precise, carefully considered. I think about all the decisions that go into painting - should I blend this edge, or leave it rough? Should I build up the color gradually, or go straight in with a bold stroke? Each choice changes how we experience the work. Look at how those vertical brushstrokes pull your eye up into the mountains behind them. I love how Berni lets the paint do its thing. ‘Jujuy’ reminds me a little of Diego Rivera’s social realism, in that it gives a beautiful insight into everyday life. But Berni has his own way of seeing the world. He invites us to look closer, and to appreciate the richness and complexity of the human experience.