Alfred Conteh

Alfred Conteh is a visual artist with a passionate desire to share his life experiences and personal truth with the African American community. Growing up in Fort Valley, Georgia –100 miles south of Atlanta – Conteh discovered his interests in the arts at a very early age. “Most people during their formative years, might see themselves in a certain position when they grew older,” he says. “I always saw myself as an artist. It was what I wanted to do for the rest of my life.” His enthusiasm for comic books and cartoons developed into an interest in visual arts as a student at Peach County High School. There he learned art history, technique, and skill under the direction of his mentor and art teacher, Johnny Heller. Conteh soon realized that there was a great deal more to learn and explore. He continued his education at Hampton University, earning a bachelor’s degree in fine arts. It was at Hampton where he says he formed a supportive community with fellow classmates and developed his proficiency as an artist.

Conteh then earned a Masters in Fine Arts at Georgia Southern University. There he was given free rein to develop his individual style and experiment with new mediums, expanding his repertoire from paintings and sketches to sculpture and other three-dimensional formats. As a working artist Conteh continues to develop his craft and considers himself a student of history. His personal experiences have sparked new energy toward addressing social issues impacting black communities that he has not touched before. He aims to use his art as a platform for dialogue that encourages other artists to learn about themselves and share their stories more boldly. “It’s problematic when our greatest aspiration is to seek accolades based on what the dominant culture sees worthy of awarding you. We have to see value in ourselves.”

A classically trained artist, Conteh aspires to tell a deeper and sometimes grayer story about black people in America, stretching beyond traditional images depicting slavery, church, and romantic relationships. What most excites him is the reaction to his creations over time. “I make my work for my people,” he says. “I want to appeal to African Americans and encourage them to be stewards of our culture and history.”

September Gray

Fine Art Gallery

Alfred Conteh