Boy wearing suspenders 1925

Spyros Papaloukas created this work in oil paint on canvas. Look closely, and you'll see how the relatively dry brushwork gives texture to the boy's skin and clothing. The artist’s use of oil paint, traditionally associated with fine art, is interesting here, given the subject matter. The boy's clothing – simple suspenders and a striped shirt – suggests a working-class background. Papaloukas uses the language of high art to depict an everyday subject, elevating the boy's status. Notice too the geometric forms of the boy's face and the background elements. This faceting is emphasized through the application of paint. Each brushstroke meticulously contributes to the overall composition. By paying close attention to materials, making, and social context, we can understand how Papaloukas challenges traditional distinctions between fine art and craft.