He wasn't 18 1974 

Alekos Kontopoulos created this image in 1974, and it speaks volumes with its somber palette and poignant gesture. The most striking element is the covering of the eyes. It's a universal symbol of grief, shame, or shielding oneself from a harsh reality. We see it echoed throughout art history, from ancient depictions of mourning to modern expressions of despair. Consider the blindfolded figures in Goya's war scenes, or even the veiled faces in classical tragedies. Here, it evokes a sense of profound loss or trauma. This shielding of the eyes is not merely a physical act, it's a psychological barrier. The viewer is confronted with a raw, unfiltered emotion, engaging us on a deeply subconscious level. The motif transcends time and space. It continues to resurface, evolving yet retaining its primal connection to human suffering.