ear & Tear 2020

Kayla Mahaffey created this vibrant work, "ear & Tear," sometime in the 20th century. This piece, like much of Mahaffey’s work, speaks to the complex experiences of Black youth, navigating childhood while facing the realities of race and representation. Mahaffey presents a powerful juxtaposition. The central figure, a young Black girl, is rendered with striking realism, her gaze direct and knowing. Yet, she's surrounded by cartoon figures, symbols of childhood innocence, that seem to both protect and overwhelm her. These characters, with their exaggerated features and boisterous energy, hint at the internal world of the child, a space where imagination and reality collide. The tear on her cheek underscores the vulnerability inherent in this experience. It is a poignant reminder of the challenges faced by young Black individuals growing up in a world that often fails to see them fully. Mahaffey’s blend of pop culture and portraiture invites us to reflect on how societal expectations shape the identities and emotional lives of children.