The Pinch of Poverty

Poverty is caused by many factors.  The major causes are substance abuse, corrupt governments, historical disadvantages, and the rising cost of living.  The artist portrays poverty in this painting as a depressing existence.  The artist’s message about poverty is that poverty can affect anyone, including women and young children instead of the typical stereotypes about the poor.  He uses color and background to reinforce his point.  The color of figures’ clothes is dark and they are standing in the rain which emphasizes the bleakness of the painting.  The little girl in the painting is wearing a white jacket which symbolizes hope.