David

David belongs to an ongoing series of portraits that focus exclusively on Latino day workers living in Los Angeles, CA. Sonsini paints from the model in his studio, but favors capturing the sitter’s affect/presence rather than his actual likeness. The artist depicted personal items—a backpack, skateboard, and shirt—to further add to the narrative. Although these items may not have actually belonged to David, their presence infuses the portrait with a heightened poignancy and a deeper emotional intensity. On another level, David conjures up social and political issues faced by immigrant workers, giving visibility to people who are sometimes treated as invisible.