Untitled 1980

This untitled artwork is by Benjamin Canas, an artist who lived and worked in El Salvador during a time of considerable social and political unrest. Canas’ work often navigates themes of identity and marginalization. Notice how the composition draws you in with the dog and the child-like figure in the foreground, while the adults are out of focus in the background. The artist is playing with the perspective here to create a sense of unease. The girl is in the foreground but not in the forefront of the parent's attention. We are presented with a world seen through a child’s eyes. We see her sense of alienation in a world of adult concerns. This tension between childhood innocence and the complex realities of adult life is very poignant. It remains relevant today, reminding us of our shared yet diverse experiences.