Kehinde Wiley at the National Gallery

Kehinde Wiley, an American artist known for his portraits of African Americans, will explore the European landscape tradition through film and painting in his first collaboration with a major UK gallery. He will cast Black Londoners from Soho and draw inspiration from the National Gallery's masterpieces in landscape and seascape.

Format: Hardback
Length: 112 pages
Publication date: 11 January 2022
Publisher: National Gallery Company Ltd

American artist Kehinde Wiley (b. 1977) is renowned for his captivating portraits of African Americans, skillfully blending references to the grand European tradition of painting. In 2017, he achieved a significant milestone by being commissioned to paint Barack Obama, becoming the first Black artist to create an official portrait of a United States president. Wiley's artistic approach challenges the historical exclusion of Black and minority-ethnic figures within European art by placing contemporary Black sitters in the same poses as historical figures from the past.

For his upcoming collaboration with a prominent UK gallery, Wiley will venture into a new artistic territory by exploring the European landscape tradition through the mediums of film and painting. He will cast Black Londoners from the vibrant streets of Soho, shedding light on the rich tapestry of the city's diverse community. Drawing inspiration from the National Gallery's remarkable masterpieces in landscape and seascape, Wiley's new works will delve into the realm of European Romanticism, capturing the awe-inspiring grandeur of oceans and mountains.

This captivating exhibition will be held at The National Gallery in London from December 10, 2021, to April 18, 2022. The National Gallery, known for its world-class collections, is thrilled to present this extraordinary exhibition, offering visitors a unique opportunity to witness the artistic brilliance of Kehinde Wiley.

Weight: 914g
Dimension: 358 x 290 x 15 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781857096774