Dawoud Bey’s portraits in Class Pictures explore the aspirations, fears, and self-perceptions of high school students, capturing both their individuality and the shared challenges of adolescence. These works are accompanied by personal statements written by the subjects, offering a profound connection between the viewer and the person portrayed.

Shalanta reflects on her hopes and resilience:

“People around me have to be positive and like to be around me. All of my friends would describe me as crazy but intelligent. Most people are intimidated by my look, but later get to see that I am a loving, fun-going person. I love children, and would someday like some of my own. When I grow up, I want to be a pediatrician, and later own my own day care. To get there I have to keep a focused mind and stay on the path that I am on now. It won’t be hard, because success is where I am headed.”

Bey’s integration of their voices with his compelling portraits invites viewers into an empathetic dialogue, offering a layered and deeply personal exploration of identity and representation.