Asher Lev 2010

Bo Bartlett created this striking portrait of a young man named Asher Lev. Bartlett, a contemporary American realist painter, has a knack for capturing the complexities of identity, and here he presents us with a young man navigating the crosscurrents of tradition and modernity. The sidelocks and traditional head covering signal a connection to a deeply rooted cultural and religious identity. We might think about the pressures and expectations that come with adhering to a specific way of life. The subject’s gaze, direct and thoughtful, draws us in. There is a simultaneous sense of vulnerability and strength in the young man’s expression. It captures a moment of self-awareness, maybe even a silent assertion of individuality within the context of community. Bartlett invites us to contemplate the personal narratives that exist within broader cultural landscapes.