Berni

the long version

The only surviving fresco of indigenous theme by Antonio Berni (b. Rosario, 1905 - d. Buenos Aires, 1981) is now part of the permanent collection of MALBA. The mural (120 x 330 cm) was created using the fresco painting technique "Buon fresco" with final brushes in "fresco secco" (lime-painting). Created in 1940, its existence was documented in photographs (Fundación Espigas) although its location and condition were unknown. Recently located in a villa of San Miguel, (Prov. of Buenos Aires) MALBA acquired it in 2012 and rescued it from oblivion, organizing its removal of the original wall, its transportation to the Museum and its restoration. The present exhibition celebrates the incorporation of the mural "Mercado colla" or "Mercado del altiplano" to its permanent collection and graphically and technically documents the removal, transportation, restoration and installation of the fresco by a team of Argentine professionals.