Zay 

Alfred Conteh created "Zay" as a testament to the lives and experiences of black men in America. Conteh’s work serves as a powerful commentary on identity, race, and resilience. The figure of Zay stands against a cracked, golden backdrop, a symbolic contrast between the historical reverence of gold in portraiture and the harsh realities faced by many black individuals. The man's weary expression and posture convey a sense of the burdens carried. The details, from the bandage wrapped around his arm to the hat and cigar in his hands, each tell a story of survival, struggle, and perseverance. Conteh uses these elements to create a dialogue about the societal pressures and expectations placed on black men, while also celebrating their strength and humanity. Conteh’s work invites us to reflect on the complex layers of identity, and how historical and cultural forces shape individual experiences. It is a visual representation of resilience, and the human spirit.