Casa Bonita ‘Happiness by the Bucket’ Advertisement 

Jack Davis created this advertisement for the restaurant Casa Bonita, capturing the essence of cartoonish, maximalist consumerism. Davis, known for his work with Mad Magazine, brings his signature exaggerated style to this image. The cartoonish figure, eyes wide and mouth agape, is caught in a moment of intense, almost manic, enjoyment of a bucket of food. In the late 20th century America, fast food chains exploded and the idea of ‘super-sizing’ was promoted by the restaurant industry. The image is a satire of that culture. This was a moment of cultural transition. Americans were beginning to question the value of fast food, and this image both mocks and embraces the idea. The image is deliberately over the top, a progressive critique of America’s growing obsession with fast food. To fully appreciate this advertisement, research into the history of American consumer culture and the rise of fast food is required. Ultimately, this image serves as a reminder that art is embedded in its social and institutional context, reflecting and commenting on the values of its time.