Antonio 

Alfred Conteh created this portrait, Antonio, with conte crayon and colored pencil. Conteh is a contemporary African-American artist whose work often explores themes of identity, race, and social justice. This portrait uses a limited color palette and striking visual metaphors to evoke powerful emotions. The flowing teal lines create a sense of vulnerability, as if Antonio's very being is dissolving or being washed away. It might make us think about the ways in which systemic racism and social inequality can erode a person's sense of self. The choice of conte crayon, a medium often used for preliminary sketches, further emphasizes this sense of fragility and impermanence. To fully appreciate this artwork, we might research the artist's biography, his other works, and the broader context of contemporary African-American art, as well as the socio-political issues that inspire his practice.