All artworks by Kehinde Wiley
Recognition
The Artist was highlighted in an article in ArtMajeur Magazine
Biography
Kehinde Wiley, born on February 28, 1977, in Los Angeles, is a pioneering American portrait painter renowned for his vibrant reinterpretations of classical art through a contemporary African-American lens. Wiley's work, which combines traditional portraiture with modern themes of race and identity, gained significant attention with his 2017 commission to paint former President Barack Obama for the Smithsonian National Portrait Gallery. This milestone solidified Wiley’s place in contemporary art, earning him a spot on Time magazine’s 100 Most Influential People list in 2018.
Wiley’s artistic journey began early, encouraged by his mother to pursue art as a means to stay focused and away from street life. His formal education includes a BFA from the San Francisco Art Institute and an MFA from Yale University, where he developed a unique approach that juxtaposes classical European portraiture with contemporary subjects. His work often features Black figures in regal, historically charged poses, challenging traditional representations of power and status.
Significant series in Wiley’s career include "Rumors of War," which reimagines iconic equestrian portraits with modern African-American sitters, and "The World Stage," which celebrates global narratives while confronting colonial histories. His exhibitions, from early solo shows like "Kehinde Wiley" at Real Art Ways to the major retrospective "Kehinde Wiley: A New Republic," reflect his continuous exploration of themes related to authority and identity.
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Nationality:
UNITED STATES
- Date of birth : 1977
- Artistic domains: No artwork available yet
- Groups: Contemporary American Artists