G 

Alfred Conteh made this portrait, "G," using acrylic paint and charcoal, materials common to contemporary artmaking. What sets Conteh's work apart is the way he builds up his images. He's not just trying to create a likeness; he's also embedding social meaning in the very substance of the piece. Look closely, and you'll see the layers of charcoal and acrylic that give the portrait its distinctive texture. The drips and splatters aren't accidental; they're part of a deliberate process that echoes the complexities of identity. The surface is alive with drips of gold, silver, black, and white, which contrast with the figure's more muted skin tones, and draw your eye to the surface of the work itself. By emphasizing process, materiality, and social context, Conteh challenges the traditional distinctions between fine art and craft. In "G," he elevates portraiture to a form of social commentary, inviting viewers to engage with the artwork on multiple levels.