Quote by Kehinde Wiley: “My work is about power. Who has it, who doesn't, and how it's represented.”

This quote succinctly defines the core thematic concern of his artistic practice. It highlights his critical examination of societal hierarchies and the visual language used to depict dominance and influence, especially concerning race and class.

Explaining the conceptual underpinnings of his large-scale portraits that often feature Black subjects in poses traditionally reserved for European royalty and powerful figures, challenging historical depictions.

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.