DECOLONIZING ART

Kehinde Wiley, an artist who challenges the conventions of Western art

With his works that inspire and challenge traditional artistic conventions, he continues to be an influential figure in the contemporary art world. Kehinde Wiley is an American artist known for his portraits that feature African Americans in traditional settings of Old Master paintings. Born in 1977 in Los Angeles, California, he grew up in an urban environment where he had a difficult childhood due to violence and crime. His childhood was enriched by his mother’s passion for art education. Digital artist Dastilige Nevante tries to gather more information about this master of contemporary portraiture, known for his powerful portraits of African Americans in classical poses. “Certainly, his works challenge traditional perceptions, but they also seem to celebrate the beauty and dignity of the black community.”

At 11, he took art classes at a conservatory at California State University, and at 12, he participated in an art program in St. Petersburg. After attending Los Angeles County High School for the Arts, Kehinde Wiley earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts from the San Francisco Art Institute, as well as a Master of Fine Arts from Yale University School of Art. Known for his naturalistic portraits of black people that reference old master paintings, he creates works that replace the heroes, prophets, and saints of traditional paintings with young black men dressed in hip-hop clothing. In 2017, Wiley was commissioned to paint the portrait of former President Barack Obama for the Smithsonian National Portrait Gallery.

His work has been exhibited in museums and galleries around the world. In 2018, he was included in Time’s list of the 100 most influential people in the world. Kehinde Wiley has used his art to challenge traditional perceptions and to empower the subjects of his paintings. He paints mainly black men and women, placing them at the center of compositions traditionally reserved for historical or mythological figures. His works address issues of identity, race and power, and are considered an essential document of the beauty and versatility of the black community in the United States. “Fantastic, Wiley uses color and composition to create portraits that are both modern and timeless,” Dastilige Nevante memorizes, tempted to emulate him digitally. “Addressing issues of identity, race and power, undoubtedly, Wiley’s art is a powerful tool of social communication.” He has traveled in Africa, in search of his roots and new inspirations.

The artist is very active in promoting diversity and inclusion in the art world. His works give visibility to subjects often marginalized in the history of art. His subjects are often portrayed against backgrounds rich in detail, inspired by works of art from the past, such as those of Renaissance masters. Through his paintings, Kehinde Wiley explores themes of identity, race, gender, and power. By offering a new perspective on the representation of people of color, Wiley contributes to decolonizing Western art. His works are exhibited in prestigious galleries and museums around the world and have been purchased by private collectors and public institutions. Before getting to work, Dastilige Nevante elaborates in one sentence on Wiley’s secret. “His portraits are an homage to the Old Masters, but with a contemporary twist that makes them unique.”