The Child In Us 2021

"The Child In Us" (2021) by Kayla Mahaffey is a vibrant and playful painting that explores themes of childhood innocence and the complexities of growing up. The central figure, a young boy wearing a cartoonish hat, sits with a thoughtful expression, holding a toy that appears to be a traditional Russian nesting doll. Surrounding him are other whimsical elements, including a giant cartoon head, swirling lines and shapes, and vibrant colors. The artist's use of bold colors and stylized forms creates a whimsical and engaging composition. This piece is a captivating look at the innocence of childhood.