After the March 1976 coup, Berni moved to New York City, where he continued painting, engraving, collaging and exhibiting. New York struck him as luxurious, consumerist, materially wealthy and spiritually poor. He conveyed these observations in subsequent work with a touch of social irony. His New York paintings display a great protagonism of color and include "Aeropuerto" ("Airport"), "Los Hippies", "Calles de Nueva York" ("Streets of New York"), "Almuerzo" ("Lunch"), "Chelsea Hotel" and "Promesa de castidad" ("Promise of Chastity"). He also produced several decorative panels, scenographic sketches, illustrations, and collaborations for books.