Date of Birth: February 28, 1977
Zodiac Sign: Pisces
Biography
Kehinde Wiley is an acclaimed American artist known for his highly naturalistic paintings of African Americans. Born in Los Angeles, California, Wiley gained significant attention for his unique approach to portraiture by placing contemporary African American subjects in classical poses and settings inspired by Old Master paintings. His work challenges the conventions of traditional portraiture and explores themes of race, identity, and power. Wiley’s career took a significant leap forward after he earned his Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) from the San Francisco Art Institute in 1999 and his Master of Fine Arts (MFA) from the Yale School of Art in 2001. Since then, his work has been exhibited in numerous prestigious galleries and museums worldwide, including the Brooklyn Museum, the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA), and the National Portrait Gallery in Washington, D.C. One of Wiley’s most notable achievements was being commissioned to paint the official portrait of former President Barack Obama for the Smithsonian National Portrait Gallery in 2018. This portrait gained widespread acclaim for its vibrant colors and symbolic elements, further cementing Wiley’s place in contemporary art history.
5 Interesting Facts about Kehinde Wiley
1. Kehinde Wiley was the first African American artist to paint an official U.S. presidential portrait.
2. His works often incorporate intricate floral patterns and vibrant backgrounds, which are signature elements of his style.
3. Wiley founded the Black Rock Senegal residency program in Dakar, Senegal, to support international artists.
4. He has a twin brother named Taiwo.
5. Wiley’s art has been featured in music videos, including Beyoncé’s “Formation.”
5 Most Interesting Quotes from Kehinde Wiley
1. “The history of painting is a history of power.”
2. “I try to use the landscape as a way of contextualizing the subject.”
3. “I’m playing with the language of power and dominance.”
4. “Art is about changing what we see in our everyday lives and representing it in such a way that it gives us hope.”
5. “I think the most important thing about my work is that it addresses the idea of visibility and representation.”
Highest Net Worth Achieved
$5 million
Children
As of the latest available information, Kehinde Wiley does not have any children.
Relevant Links
1. [Kehinde Wiley’s Official Website](http://www.kehindewiley.com/
2. [National Portrait Gallery – Barack Obama’s Portrait](https://npg.si.edu/obamaportrait
3. [Black Rock Senegal Residency Program](https://blackrocksenegal.org/
4. [Brooklyn Museum – Kehinde Wiley](https://www.brooklynmuseum.org/exhibitions/kehinde_wiley
5. [Interview with Kehinde Wiley](https://www.interviewmagazine.com/art/kehinde-wiley
