Viejos Desesperados 

Adolfo Bellocq created "Viejos Desesperados" using woodcut, a medium that lends itself to stark contrasts and potent emotional expression. Bellocq worked during a period of significant social and political upheaval in Argentina, marked by labor unrest and economic disparity. The artwork presents two figures, their bodies gaunt, set against a desolate backdrop. Their desperation speaks to the widespread poverty and marginalization experienced by many Argentinians during the early 20th century. The artist’s choice of representing the figures as aged amplifies the sense of prolonged suffering and the relentless passage of time. Bellocq used his artistic voice to address the social issues of his time. "I seek to reflect the plight and resilience of the working class" he once stated, emphasizing his commitment to social commentary. This print reflects deep empathy and is a call to recognize the humanity within those most afflicted by poverty. The work serves as a reminder of the ongoing struggle for social justice and human dignity.