Khalil Ibrahim’s portrait ‘sitters’ are not always real people, for he likes to paint figuratives of imaginary or even composite personalities, mostly female. This 1986 portrait of a boy is interesting, for it looks as if there is something about this darker-skinned boy, seated facing left and presumably in school uniform, that compelled Khalil to paint him. The aura of innocence, or a kind of carefree spirit with the white shirt hanging out. It may bring back memories of his own schooldays in Kelantan, as he was already half-a-century-old when he completed this work, with sparing colours. Or maybe, this could be his self portrait, painted based on memories or maybe an old photo. The features of the boy are distinctive, resemblance to Khalil, especially the nose and mouth.