Incomplete ... Portrait of Khiry Johnson by Ann Price Hartzell

From Denae Johnson Khiry’s cousin: Stephen Khiry Johnson, commonly known as Khiry, was a beloved son, grandson, brother, cousin, and friend. Born May 31, 1989, Khiry was down to earth, easy-going and kind. He was full of life and could bring joy into any space. Khiry was curious and inquisitive, but in a light-hearted way. He had an amazing sense of humor and could make any room laugh; he was the master of easing any tension or conflict in a room. Everyone in his family loved him to death. Khiry loved neo-soul, cracking jokes and home-cooked food. Khiry was shot at a New Year’s Eve party on January 1, 2013 as he tried to break up a fight at the party. Prior to his passing Khiry was in a student in the business school at Temple University who had ambitions to go into the Navy before opening up his own business to be a resource to his community. Khiry was a brilliant, loving young man whose potential was cut short by gun violence. There's not a day that goes by that his family does not miss him.

From the artist Anne Price Hartzel: Khiry Johnson - “Incomplete …” May 31, 1989 - January 1, 2013 The photograph that became my model for this portrait struck me immediately. Unlike the family snapshots of Khiry enjoying the milestones of his life, this photograph said more about the person inside. To me, this is Khiry relishing life with an open heart, reveling in the music of his soul. Described as down to earth, with an amazing sense of humor, Khiry’s promise for a brilliant future was just beginning. A focused 23-year-old, graduate of Temple’s Fox School of Business, he worked full time job as an ambulance dispatcher. Khiry’s portrait is not signed or finished, just as his life is “Incomplete…”

From the curator: Particularly moving is the warmth of the light in this portrait. Khiry’s face uplifted to the sun and light embraces his whole body. Unfortunately, this child of light was ultimately punished by trying to do the right thing. Far too many of the Souls Shot portraits are of similar young men who tried to stop an injustice only to pay a dear price because there was a gun involved.

Incomplete. . . Portrait of Khiry Johnson by Ann Price Hartzell acrylic on wood 18” x 24” 2017