Artodyssey Kehinde Wiley
Cover “Society is a Lover’s War” On Kehinde Wiley and the Politics of Love The Advocate (1024x1007)
Table of Contents:
Early Life and Education
Kehinde Wiley was born in Los Angeles, California in 1977. He grew up in South Central LA and later moved to San Diego with his mother. Wiley attended the San Francisco Art Institute and earned his Bachelor of Fine Arts in 1999. He later received his Master of Fine Arts from Yale University in 2001.
During his time at Yale, Wiley began exploring the concept of identity and representation in his artwork. He became interested in the lack of black and brown faces in classical portraits, and decided to create his own versions of these portraits featuring contemporary people of color.
Inspiration and Style
Wiley’s inspiration comes from classical European portraits, particularly those from the Rococo and Baroque periods. He often recreates poses and compositions from these portraits, but replaces the original subjects with people of color. His use of bright, bold colors and intricate patterns also draws from African textiles and art.
Wiley’s style is a unique blend of classical and contemporary. He uses traditional oil painting techniques, but adds modern elements such as graffiti and street art. His portraits are often large-scale, with the subjects portrayed in heroic and powerful poses that challenge traditional representations of people of color.
Famous Paintings
One of Wiley’s most famous paintings is “Napoleon Leading the Army Over the Alps.” The painting features a young black man dressed in streetwear, striking the same pose as Napoleon in the original painting by Jacques-Louis David. The painting challenges the traditional notion of power and authority, and highlights the lack of representation of people of color in historical art.
Another famous painting by Wiley is “Equestrian Portrait of King Philip II (Michael Jackson).” The painting features the late pop icon Michael Jackson dressed in royal attire and riding a horse. The painting was created shortly after Jackson’s death and serves as a tribute to his impact on popular culture.
Controversy
Despite his success and critical acclaim, Wiley has faced criticism from some who question his portrayal of people of color. Some argue that his paintings perpetuate stereotypes and reinforce racial hierarchies. Others argue that his paintings are a form of cultural appropriation, as he is using European art forms to portray non-European subjects.
Wiley has responded to these critiques by stating that his paintings are meant to challenge traditional representations of people of color and empower those who have been historically marginalized. He also argues that his use of classical European art forms is a way to reclaim and redefine these art forms to include a wider range of subjects.
Legacy and Influence
Wiley’s impact on the art world cannot be overstated. His paintings have challenged traditional notions of power, representation, and identity. He has inspired a new generation of artists to create work that is both contemporary and rooted in tradition.
Wiley’s influence can be seen in the work of other artists who have taken up the mantle of redefining classical art forms to include a wider range of subjects. He has also inspired a new wave of art collectors who are interested in acquiring work by artists of color.
Conclusion
Kehinde Wiley’s art is a powerful expression of identity, representation, and empowerment. His paintings challenge traditional notions of power and authority, and highlight the lack of representation of people of color in historical art. Despite facing criticism and controversy, Wiley’s impact on the art world cannot be overstated. He has inspired a new generation of artists to create work that is both contemporary and rooted in tradition, and has opened doors for artists of color to gain recognition and success in the art world.
Post a Comment for "Artodyssey Kehinde Wiley"