Demonstration

In the early nineteen-thirties, Berni returned to Argentina after a long-term stay in Europe and fostered the development of art committed to the political reality of his homeland. Upon meeting Mexican mural artist David Alfaro Siqueiros—who brought to light the debate on proletarian art on his visit to Argentina in 1933—, Berni founded the Mutualidad Popular de Artistas Plásticos in the city of Rosario. The place was conceived as a comprehensive training center to discuss art education and sociopolitical issues. As he considered modern art as “trivial, unsubstantial decorativism,” he promoted a new realism which intended to produce artwork on social issues and expose inequalities, exclusion, and poverty. Manifestación is part of this movement and was created as a portable mural to be displayed in strikes and political rallies. While materials and techniques of the mural are egg tempera on burlap sacks sewn together— consistent with the working class therein depicted—, the new medium he used, such as reference photographs, film frames, and multiple perspectives, highlights his modern approach on the issue.