DJ and Tay 

Alfred Conteh created the artwork DJ and Tay, without a specified date, as a portrayal of contemporary identity. In this double portrait, Conteh presents two young black figures set against a backdrop of vivid red, their figures rendered in cool blue and black tones. Conteh’s work often delves into the complexities of race, identity, and social issues within the African American community, rooted in his experiences. In ‘DJ and Tay,’ the subjects are dressed in contemporary streetwear, a visual marker of youth culture and identity. Their expressions are guarded, inviting questions about vulnerability, resilience, and representation. How do these young men navigate the world, and how does the world perceive them? Conteh’s portraits create an emotional bridge between the viewer and the individuals depicted, fostering empathy and understanding. The rawness of the textures and the intensity of the colors speak to the powerful realities shaped by social structures. Through this piece, Conteh encourages us to reflect on the narratives we construct around identity.