ABOUT THE WORK

Angelito Antonio is regarded as one of the more talented painters of genre scenes, and this assertion is exemplified by his work depicting a balloon vendor. In different shapes and colors, the balloons frame the face of the figure wearing a wide-brim hat and, curiously, smoking a cigarette. The cigarette, of course, portends the possible destruction of his wares, but it’s evident that the man, with a certain confidence that emanates from his posture and from his black jacket, knows how to avoid such catastrophes. On his background is an orderly row of shanties where his possible customers, the children, live and await the translucent, colorful delight that the man brings.