The Southpaw

This screen print demonstrates the typical style of the Reality Group (Equipo Realidad), formed by Joan Cardells and Jorge Ballester in 1966. In line with the group's name, it was born with the aim of denouncing reality in a satirical manner through a bright-colored pop esthetic. Its work is framed within the realm of critical figuration, as reflected in this print through its title and theme, a revolver, which recalls Westerns which were highly popular during the Franco development. It is a work from its early era, when flat inks and bright colors contrasting with the black were repeatedly used to create socially and politically engaged works which spoke out against oppression, consumerism, and the manipulation of mass media which stood out during this time. With the start of the transition to democracy, its members considered the project to be finished and dissolved the group in 1976.