Atlanta Art Week is in full swing, and with it the showcasing of Alfred Conteh’s latest solo show, “Acceptance: Identity & Circumstance.” Opened on Friday, October 4, 2024, this showcase highlights Conteh’s exploration of Black identity, culture, and survival in the South. Born in Fort Valley, and now based in Atlanta, Conteh’s work offers a lens into the lived experiences of Black individuals in seemingly mundane urban environments.“Influence” 2024 mixed media on canvas. Photo by Noah Washington/The Atlanta Voice The exhibit, curated by Courtney Brooks, is a raw reflection of the complex layers of Black life. Conteh’s large-scale pieces delve into personal identity and societal issues, encouraging viewers to reflect on their own place in the world. His portraits, based on photographs he takes of people in his community, capture seemingly ordinary urban environments, but the materials he uses include battery acid, rust, soil, and melted plastic. For Conteh, this body of work is deeply personal and speaks directly to the experiences of Black Americans. He explains his vision for “Acceptance: Identity & Circumstance” by inviting viewers to think beyond their own immediate surroundings, “I want people to think about where they are, their place—not just in Atlanta, but in society as a whole, especially when it comes to us as African Americans. This work is speaking to Black folks. I want you to get outside of your space, the comfort of your bubble, and see things from a different perspective. I made this work to speak to the experience and reality of the majority of us,” Conteh toldConteh hopes his art prompts viewers to expand their understanding of how the world functions, particularly as it relates to the Black experience. “I hope the work accomplishes the task of getting you to expand your understanding of how this world works,” Conteh stated.“The Photobombing of Mr. Juicy Hands”, 2024 mixed media on canvas. Photo by Noah Washington/The Atlanta VoiceConteh’s influence extends beyond Atlanta. In Peoria, Illinois, he developed a significant relationship with the Peoria Riverfront Museum. Everley Davis, Assistant Curator and Community Engagement Coordinator, first encountered his work through an exhibition on loan from Alice Walton’s Art Bridges Foundation. Davis recalls how Conteh’s piece, Malik and Marquis (2020), quickly became a community favorite.“We had a collection of work by American artists from the 1860s through today, and Alfred’s was the most contemporary piece. It became my favorite painting. People wanted to take photos with it and kept returning to the museum to see it again,” Davis shared. Inspired by the community’s love for the work, Davis and Chief Curator Bill Conger traveled to Chicago to meet Conteh at a gallery opening, which led to an ongoing relationship with the artist and Peoria’s art community.During his visits to Peoria, Davis introduced Conteh to various parts of the Black community. He photographed over 20 subjects during these visits, exploring parks, barbershops, and Black-owned businesses to capture the heart of the community. One of these photographs, featuring a father and son, has become part of the “Acceptance: Identity & Circumstance” series titled, “El” The image holds special meaning for Davis, as it was taken just a block away from her childhood home, “He photographed over 20 subjects,” Davis explains. “I was kind of like his paper girl, handling consent forms and letting people know who he was. Because I was a familiar face in my community, it broke down that barrier,” Davis continued.“El” 2024 Mixed Media on Canvas. Photo by Noah Washington/The Atlanta VoiceThe Peoria Riverfront Museum also commissioned a short film about Conteh’s creative process. Titled The Unseen Majority and directed by Dr. Arley Ameal, the documentary delves into Conteh’s work and his focus on the everyday Black Americans who form the backbone of the country.“Influence,”  one of the promoted pieces, reflects on the overwhelming impact of digital media on today’s youth. Conteh describes the work as a commentary on how young people, especially young Black men, navigate their identities in an era dominated by constant digital input, “Influence is an image we all see every day—someone staring into their phone. I thought about how I was socialized before the digital age. I had to go out and experience things firsthand. Now, everything is in the palm of your hand, which makes the world smaller, but also less social,” Conteh said.Conteh doesn’t believe today’s youth are worse off but acknowledges that the rapid pace of information exposure forces them to grow up faster. He hopes that “Influence” sparks a conversation about how socialization and identity are shaped in this digital era.“Alfred has a story to tell. His narratives dive deep into acceptance, identity, and circumstance. I want the audience to understand how our circumstances shape our identities—whether that’s through influence, social media, politics, or even body acceptance,” Brooks told, “When the proposal for Atlanta Art Week 2024 came up, I knew it was something I wanted to be a part of. It’s been exciting to be involved, and I hope this relationship with Atlanta Art Week continues to grow.”The exhibit will have its closing reception followed by a film screening on Sunday, Oct. 6th at 6 p.m. at 200A Chattahoochee Row Atlanta, Ga 30318.The post Alfred Conteh’s “Acceptance: Identity & Circumstance” at Atlanta Art Week appeared first on The Atlanta Voice.