Gavin 

Curator: Here we see a mixed-media drawing by Alfred Conteh titled "Gavin," a poignant portrait of a young boy. The work blends ink and other media to striking effect. What are your initial impressions? Editor: There’s a solemnity in the boy’s expression, a quiet dignity that the artist captures so well. The textures created by the mixed media are fascinating; the drips and marks in the background seem to echo a sense of… fragility. Curator: I see what you mean. Considering Conteh's wider body of work, his focus on contemporary African American life, I believe "Gavin" speaks to the vulnerabilities faced by young Black males in a society marked by systemic inequities. His stance and look address the viewer directly, confronting stereotypes and asserting individuality. Editor: I find the patterns incredibly evocative. The shirt, almost like camouflage, and the patterned backdrop makes me wonder what’s being hidden, or revealed. Is the artist using familiar symbols to invite us to look more closely at the boy's lived reality? The circles in the background almost resemble teardrops, drawing the eye back to his facial expression. Curator: Absolutely. Those subtle visual cues work to deepen our empathy, I think. Conteh challenges viewers to confront the social structures that constrain Gavin and others like him. His gaze feels accusatory towards anyone who perpetuates inequalities. Editor: And that golden tone the artist uses... it seems to cast Gavin in a sacred light, elevating him. The effect is striking, pushing against conventional representations of young Black males in art. Curator: Precisely, it's an intervention. Through art like "Gavin", Conteh humanizes those rendered invisible by the social narratives. Editor: Seeing this portrait makes you realize just how many stories a single face can hold, the history it can represent. I think this is a face you’ll not soon forget. Curator: I completely agree; the symbolic weight combines with technical artistry to create an arresting and impactful statement about identity, representation, and resilience.