The subjects of his paintings are front and center among verdant imagery.
Colorful blooms and repeating patterns surround them like the decadent wallpaper youd expect in a palatial setting.
They recall paintings youd find in a museum created by theOld Masters.
“Portrait of Daniel Paiol López,” 2023Oil on linen96 x 72 inches© Kehinde WileyPhoto: Max YawneyCourtesy: Sean Kelly
Here, however, Wiley centers the work on Black and Brown figures.
They assume the regal positions that have been historically reserved for white European nobility.
Wileys latest series of paintings titledHAVANAcontinues this artistic exploration as a focus on global Black culture.
“Portrait of Emilio Hernandez Gonzalez,” 2023Oil on linen72 x 60 inches© Kehinde WileyCourtesy: Sean Kelly
The circus is a place, but its also a metaphor.
Mardi Gras in New Orleans is one example.
During his first visit to Cuba in 2015, Wiley went to the Escuela Nacional de Circo Cuba.
“Portrait of Tony di heon Gonzales & Armando Leon Aquirre,” 2023Oil on linen108 x 72 inches© Kehinde WileyPhoto: Max YawneyCourtesy: Sean Kelly
(Prior to 1959, Cuba had a long tradition of circus arts with many family-run companies.)
On his second visit in 2022, the artist met with performers from Raices Profundas.
The group is regarded as one of the most authentic performing ensembles in the Yoruba religious tradition.
“Portrait of Juan Cabrera Pulido & Emilio Hernandez Gonzalez,” 2023Oil on linen108 x 72 inches© Kehinde WileyPhoto: Max YawneyCourtesy: Sean Kelly
Each person stares directly into the eyes of the viewer, looking confident with their heads turned slightly upwards.
HAVANAis now on view atSean Kellyin New York through June 17, 2023.
Artist Kehinde Wiley draws inspiration from the past to inform his contemporary portraiture.
“Portrait of Rassiel Alfonso Leonard & Nairobys C. Placeres Riviero,” 2023Oil on linen108 x 72 inches© Kehinde WileyPhoto: Max YawneyCourtesy: Sean Kelly
Here, however, Wiley centers the work on Black and Brown figures.
“Portrait of Yadiel Arrozaceno Dorticós & Daniel Paiol López,” 2023Oil on linen120 x 72 inches© Kehinde WileyPhoto: Max YawneyCourtesy: Sean Kelly
“Portrait of Yadiel Arrozaceno Dorticós,” 2023Oil on linen72 x 60 inches© Kehinde WileyCourtesy: Sean Kelly
“Portrait of Yaima Polledo & Isabel Pozo,” 2023Oil on linen108 x 81 15/16 inches© Kehinde WileyPhoto: Max YawneyCourtesy: Sean Kelly
“Portrait of Anet Arias,” 2023Oil on linen48 x 36 inches© Kehinde WileyPhoto: Max YawneyCourtesy: Sean Kelly
“Portrait of Erika Gray Ferro,” 2023Oil on linen48 x 36 inches© Kehinde WileyPhoto: Max YawneyCourtesy: Sean Kelly
Installation view of Kehinde Wiley: HAVANA at Sean Kelly, New York, April 28–June 17, 2023Photography: Adam ReichCourtesy: Sean Kelly
Installation view of Kehinde Wiley: HAVANA at Sean Kelly, New York, April 28–June 17, 2023Photography: Adam ReichCourtesy: Sean Kelly
