An exploration of isolation, resilience, and the hidden emotional impact of child neglect through the work of artist A. Jerry Simon.
Art Corner: “Gaze of a Neglected Child”
By Dr. Jerry Simon
June 7, 2026 | Art Review
This week we are looking at a work of art that uses surrealism and vibrant colour to highlight the silent, isolating nature of child neglect. It is called “Gaze of a Neglected Child.”
Gaze of a Neglected Child
Artist: A. Jerry Simon
Medium: Digital Painting / Acrylic on Canvas
Contact: (268) 779-2176 | jerrysimon.art@gmail.com
In the painting, a child’s face is encapsulated within a translucent sphere or bubble. This is a metaphor for detachment that suggests the child is seen but is not being engaged, not felt and not understood. The child lives in a self-contained world, where his needs for engagement and affection are not being met.
Bubbles are inherently temporary and easily shattered. This reflects the fragility of childhood innocence and how easily a child’s sense of safety can be destroyed by neglect. There is a little twist, in that the other bubbles look relatively intense and strong. This is symbolic of the child not feeling involved with the rest of the family. However, there is a further twist that indicates a bubble, quite close to the child, is in the process of deflating. Does it represent a family member, perhaps a brother or sister or concerned friend, that is ready to break the silence, a possible breakthrough for the child?
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The yellow ruff emerging from around the lower head/face region of the child provides a sharp contrast to the child’s flat expression. It represents the potential of light inherent in every child that remains trapped, or blocked, due to the lack of care.
There are some white patches covering one eye and partially covering the other, and the child appears to be looking downwards. This indicates that the child may be learning to find some (little) contentment in his world. And even though he may be sad, there is not a look of total despair; he still has some inner strength.
The deep red, bright gold and lush green of the background create a heavy, almost overwhelming atmosphere. The red indicates an urgent call for justice, while the gold and green symbolize the potential for growth and happiness once the child is released from his bubble.
The way the child is floating among the rest of the bubbles suggests a lack of stable ground or consistent support systems, mirroring the psychological experience of a neglected child. It is my hope that the gaze of this forgotten child is not forgotten by any one of us. Further, we have a duty to help change the child’s expression to that of a happy one.