Juan Barroso

Mano de Obra: Figure Study Pitcher, 2023

9.5 x 6.5 x 3.5

Juan Barroso's work is about Mexican labor and the plight, struggle, hope, and heritage of Mexican immigrants. With the current political administration enforcing policies that dehumanize and force immigrants into the shadows, he believes that recognizing an immigrant's humanity is vital. Notions of us or them deteriorate and it becomes clear that we are all working and fighting to provide a shelter and a decent meal for ourselves, and often a family. As the son of immigrant parents, Barroso hopes to pay homage to his people and the dignity of their labor. Barroso's work mixes 2-dimensional imagery, influenced by personal narratives, with 3-dimensional functional forms.

Barroso describes his work: I paint images with black underglaze, a small brush, and a pointillism technique. I chose pointillism on functional vessels because the process is time-consuming and labor intensive. My wrists and neck hurt after thousands of dots placed with care and accuracy to produce an image. The process becomes an act of devotion. I cannot think of a better way to show my respect and admiration for my people and their will to survive than with labor of love and time invested. After the imagery is painted on bisque-ware, I bisque again to set the image and avoid smearing the underglaze. I protect the images with liquid latex and airbrush a clear glaze on the rest of the piece. I make the work permanent and functional by firing to cone 6 in an electric kiln.

Barroso earned his BFA at Oklahoma University and his MFA at University of North Texas, Denton. He was named a Ceramics Monthly Emerging Artist in 2020.

From the collection of Arlene and Bernie Solomon

Shipping is NOT included in the winning bid.

• Items can be packed and shipped, and the winner will pay the cost.
• Items can be picked up at The Clay Studio for no additional cost.
• All winning bids or purchases will be billed to the credit card on file.
• All items will be shipped to the address given with registration.
• Please allow two weeks for shipping