Ashley 

Alfred Conteh created this artwork titled 'Ashley' with charcoal on wood. The choice of material is key here; charcoal, often associated with preliminary sketches, is used as a final medium, elevating it beyond its traditional role. The wood substrate adds another layer of meaning. Its grain and texture are not hidden but integrated into the artwork, creating a sense of depth and history. Conteh's technique involves a painstaking process of layering and blending charcoal to achieve a rich range of tonal values. The image is skillfully rendered, showing the artist's masterful command of the medium. The use of charcoal and wood is significant, linking the work to wider social issues of labor, politics, and consumption. Both materials are common, and the act of elevating them to art challenges our traditional distinctions between craft and fine art. It’s a potent reminder that meaning in art isn't just about the image, but also the materials and the act of making.