Kehinde Wiley, the art world’s rule-breaker extraordinaire, is like the superhero of contemporary art. His special power? Taking old-school classical portraiture and giving it an ultra-cool modern makeover. We’re talking huge, bold, in-your-face portraits that will rock your world. In this article, we’re going to introduce you to 12 of Kehinde Wiley’s paintings that you absolutely, positively need to know about. But we’re not stopping at just the basics; we’re going to dig deep, explore the stories, and have some fun along the way.
So, let’s get this art party started and take a closer look at each of these phenomenal paintings with some groovy details:
1. Napoleon Leading the Army Over the Alps (2005)
| Date Completed | 2005 |
| Dimensions | 108″ x 108″ |
| Location | Brooklyn Museum, New York |
Buckle up, folks, because “Napoleon Leading the Army Over the Alps” is a trip and a half! Picture this: a young African American dude playing the role of Napoleon, all swagger and charisma. This masterpiece, completed in 2005, is not just massive in size, it’s massive in its message too. Kehinde Wiley’s masterpieces are the classic notion of power. You’ll find this grand canvas wowing visitors at the Brooklyn Museum in New York.
2. Equestrian Portrait of Philip IV (2005)
| Date Completed | 2005 |
| Dimensions | 108″ x 108″ |
| Location | Museum of Fine Arts, Boston |
Say hello to “Equestrian Portrait of Philip IV,” where Wiley tips his hat to Diego Velázquez’s regal masterpiece. In this 2005 dazzler, a young black dude is owning it on horseback, flipping the script on who gets to be in royal portraits. Wiley’s artwork is all about blending the old-school glam with modern identity. You’ll find this jaw-dropping piece taking center stage at the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston.
3. Judith and Holofernes (2012)
| Date Completed | 2012 |
| Dimensions | 108″ x 108″ |
| Location | National Gallery, London |
Prepare to have your mind blown by “Judith and Holofernes.” This bad boy, cooked up in 2012, puts a modern spin on a timeless biblical tale. Imagine a fierce black lady taking on the role of Judith, showing off strength and determination as she gets all beheader-y. It’s not just art; it’s a powerful statement about agency, resistance, and taking back the narrative. You can catch this game-changer at the National Gallery in London.
4. Saint Adelaide (2014)
| Date Completed | 2014 |
| Dimensions | 108″ x 108″ |
| Location | Toledo Museum of Art, Ohio |
“Spiritual” and “mind-blowing” don’t even begin to describe “Saint Adelaide.” Made in 2014, this work takes cues from medieval Christian icons. It’s a riot of colors and intricate details that give traditional religious art a much-needed makeover. It’s not just a painting; it’s an invitation to rethink what sainthood can look like. Head to the Toledo Museum of Art in Ohio to get your mind blown.
5. Shantavia Beale II (2012)
| Date Completed | 2012 |
| Dimensions | 108″ x 108″ |
| Location | Saint Louis Art Museum, Missouri |
“Shantavia Beale II” is a jaw-dropping example of strength and resilience, and it’s not just a painting, it’s an empowerment anthem. In this 2012 masterpiece, a young lady in contemporary garb exudes power and confidence. It’s not just a portrait; it’s a tribute to the strength and beauty of black women who deserve to be celebrated. Don’t miss it at the Saint Louis Art Museum in Missouri.
6. Portrait of a Venetian Ambassador (2003)
| Date Completed | 2003 |
| Dimensions | 72″ x 60″ |
| Location | Norton Simon Museum, Pasadena |
“Portrait of a Venetian Ambassador” is like a time-traveling hipster meets old-school cool. Created in 2003, it’s a crazy mix of classic vibes and contemporary swagger. Think bold patterns and vibrant colors colliding with a Venetian ambassador’s style. It’s not just a figure; it’s an artistic bridge between worlds. Head over to the Norton Simon Museum in Pasadena to check it out.
7. Portrait of Andries Stilte (2006)
| Date Completed | 2006 |
| Dimensions | 108″ x 108″ |
| Location | Milwaukee Art Museum, Wisconsin |
“Portrait of Andries Stilte” is the definition of cool. Created in 2006, it’s a masterclass in blending urban vibes with classic charm. The dude in the portrait is rocking streetwear with so much swag. It’s not just a painting; it’s a statement about contemporary urban culture. You’ll find it doing its thing at the Milwaukee Art Museum in Wisconsin.
8. Equestrian Portrait of Charles I (2007)
| Date Completed | 2007 |
| Dimensions | 108″ x 108″ |
| Location | The Huntington, San Marino |
“Equestrian Portrait of Charles I” is like the royal portrait on steroids. Made in 2007, it flips the script with a young black dude taking center stage on horseback. It’s a mix of history and modern cool that’s just mesmerizing. You’ll find it doing its thing at The Huntington in San Marino.
9. The Two Sisters (2012)
| Date Completed | 2012 |
| Dimensions | 108″ x 108″ |
| Location | Smithsonian National Portrait Gallery, Washington D.C. |
“The Two Sisters” is like a double dose of awesome. These two young ladies are oozing confidence and style. Created in 2012, the attention to detail and vibrant colors make this painting pop. It’s not just a painting; it’s an invitation to explore the essence of beauty and confidence. Head over to the Smithsonian National Portrait Gallery in Washington D.C. to get a closer look.
10. Kehinde’s Obama (2018)
| Date Completed | 2018 |
| Dimensions | 108″ x 90″ |
| Location | Brooklyn Museum, New York |
“Kehinde’s Obama” is like the crown jewel of Wiley’s collection. Completed in 2018, it’s all about hope and change. This Wiley’s masterpiece features the 44th President of the United States, Barack Obama. Though it’s a tad smaller at 108 inches by 90 inches, its impact is colossal. It’s a testament to Wiley’s influence on contemporary art and the power of representation in leadership. Don’t miss it at the Brooklyn Museum in New York.
11. After Memling’s Portrait of a Man (2017)
| Date Completed | 2017 |
| Dimensions | 72″ x 60″ |
| Location | Minneapolis Institute of Art |
“After Memling’s Portrait of a Man” is like a blast from the past with a contemporary twist. Created in 2017, Wiley reimagines Hans Memling’s classic. The subject’s gaze and the intricate details in his attire make it an art-lover’s dream. Wiley’s not just bringing history into the present; he’s making us ponder the interplay between the two. Catch it at the Minneapolis Institute of Art.
12. Portrait of a Florentine Nobleman (2008)
| Date Completed | 2019 |
| Dimensions | 72″ x 60″ |
| Location | Seattle Art Museum, Washington |
“Portrait of a Florentine Nobleman” is like a time machine to the Renaissance with a 21st-century twist. Made in 2019, it’s all about that regal stance and the interplay of light and shadow. It’s an artistic journey that’s waiting for you at the Seattle Art Museum in Washington.
Frequently Asked Questions
What painting made Kehinde Wiley famous?
The heroic images Wiley painted of young African American men he met on the streets are what made him famous.
What is Kehinde Wiley’s style of art?
Wiley’s work is distinguished by a beautiful realism that captures the uniqueness of his subjects through meticulous attention to detail, vivid colors, and intricate patterns.
Conclusion
These 12 Kehinde Wiley paintings aren’t just art; they’re a party for your senses. As you explore each one, think about the stories they tell and how they shake up our understanding of history, culture, and the world we live in today. Enjoy the ride!
