Mañana impresionista 1929

This is Mañana Impresionista, by Benito Quinquela Martin, painted with oils sometime in the early to mid-twentieth century. Here, Martin uses loose brushwork and a vibrant palette, very much in the tradition of impressionist painting. The colors, though, have a boldness that sets him apart. See how he uses these to depict the dockworkers of Buenos Aires. These men are engaged in the labor-intensive work of hauling goods and maintaining the port. The weight of their work is palpable, even in this colorful, expressive style. Martin’s focus on these laborers elevates their status, bringing dignity to their daily struggles. It’s as if he’s saying that the activity of the working harbor is just as vital as any formal portrait, or landscape. Ultimately, Martin challenges us to reconsider what is worthy of artistic attention. He asks us to value the everyday, and the labor of those who make the world run.