From the Curator’s Perspective: 14, 86 lbs

When jurying and scrutinizing these works of art the idea and concept of a life, still and its relevance to a more conventional view of a still life were considered in great detail. This photograph, 14, 86 lbs., would be considered a portrait by traditional viewers. While it is not the customary vanitas of the Renaissance or trompe l’oeil style, there is something very soulful and stagnant about the depiction of this young child. The intensity and emotion shown in his face provokes thought and intrigue in the viewer. The child’s posture and his youthful vulnerability as he participates in the adult adult and brutal act of Muay Thai boxing reflects his being wedged in time and echoes the inner turmoil and struggle this child seems to grasp.  

The artist reflects his passion for capturing images of neglected and orphaned young boys in the slums of Bangkok and bringing their vulnerability to the viewer in these honest viewpoints. He presents emotional juxtapositions for consideration such as: admired and unwanted, innocent and jaded, and savage and forlorn. While looking at this photograph, do you feel coupled to this young boy? Does his stance contradict the emotion depicted? Do you feel his stillness even while partaking in this combative act?

-Kelsey Mintz

For more information about this work, visit the artist’s submission. Visit this blogpost to learn how A Life, Still was curated by twelve college students in collaboration with the North Carolina Museum of Art.

About this Curator

Kelsey Mintz is currently pursuing a double major in BFA Art Education and BFA Textile Design at East Carolina University. She enjoys working with a variety of tactile media, and incorporating woven structures into surface design of fabric while having the works interact and create personal conversations with one another.