After School

After School captures the quiet weight of a child’s inner world at day’s end. Inspired by sketches of my young cousin during our first meeting last year, the painting recalls his return home – sweaty, dirty, and tired – only to be met by unfamiliar relatives.

The chair, school uniform, and subdued palette evoke routine, yet his expression suggests something unspoken. The textured surface hints at a silent negotiation between curiosity and caution, lending the work the worn softness of a treasured photograph. The painting reflects on childhood days that leave a lasting memory.