Jamila 

Alfred Conteh made this striking portrait, titled "Jamila," using graphite and charcoal on wood. Conteh’s work is deeply rooted in his experiences and observations of contemporary African American life in the Southern United States. Here, the subject, Jamila, is wearing a hijab and an Atlanta Falcons sweatshirt. In this choice of dress, we see layered symbols of identity—religious, regional, and personal—that invite us to consider the complexities of identity and representation. Conteh has said, “My work is about legacy, identity, honoring people of color, and telling stories that have not been told.” There is a quiet power in Conteh’s work, an invitation to look closely at the faces and lives that make up the fabric of our communities. What does it mean to see Jamila represented in this way, proudly wearing her symbols of faith and community? How does the portrait reflect the ongoing negotiations of identity in America?