Quote by Kehinde Wiley: “I use art as a way of exploring how we can exist in the world.”

This quote reveals his philosophical approach to art, viewing it as a tool for profound inquiry into human existence and social structures. It suggests that his work is less about aesthetics and more about understanding our place in society.

Discussing his portrait of Barack Obama and his broader artistic practice of re-contextualizing historical portraiture with contemporary subjects, prompting reflections on identity and belonging.

American visual artist known for his large-scale, hyper-realistic portraits of Black subjects in the style of Old Master paintings. He was commissioned to paint the official portrait of President Barack Obama in 2017, making him the first Black artist to do so for a sitting president.