How Kehinde Wiley is reshaping the monumental

Exploring the life and work of artist Kehinde Wiley, this film takes viewers on a journey from Wiley’s upbringing in South Central Los Angeles to his ascent as one of the world’s most iconic visual artists. Featuring interviews with the artist, his twin brother Taiwo Wiley, and his close friend and fellow artist Mickalene Thomas, the film was produced in conjunction with the exhibition "An Archaeology of Silence," making its US debut at the de Young museum in March 2023.

Learn more:
Kehinde Wiley's Reclamation of Black Lives
The Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco describe Kehinde Wiley: An Archaeology of Silence as “the senseless deaths of men and women around the world . . . transformed into a powerful elegy of resistance.” This exhibition showcases Wiley’s work under the shadow of the COVID-19 pandemic, the murder of George Floyd, and the resulting Black Lives Matter movement — arguably the largest movement in the country’s history.

How Artist Lhola Amira Is Making Space for Rest
Born in Cape Town, South Africa, contemporary artist Lhola Amira responds to the wounds left by colonization across many disparate contexts to create spaces for healing through connection to the earth, the ancestral, and the spiritual.

[JenniferSerenity]

When Kehinde Wiley was an artist in residence at the Studio Museum in Harlem that was my introduction to his work and an opportunity to speak with him. His work spoke to me in ways I could not eloquently verbally express at the time. I told him that he was going to be very famous one day. He just stared at me with a blank stare. I wasn't too sure if he heard me. His silence made me wonder if had a vision for himself. I believe he did and it was destined for him to escalate to this level. Thanks for sharing this film. This is a wonderful addition to another film about him which is called, "An Economy of Grace."

[nlbhaduri]

I am an artist, a woman, a mixed race Indian, and was born in Ghana… the moment I saw one of Kehinde’s paintings in New Orleans I think he changed my life….in how to have courage to be myself and to let my story be valid with the stories of everyone else around me. His work is beyond monumental. It is life changing.

[allgoodgranola]

Five minutes with this man would no doubt make me smarter. I must know more!

[michaelcbyers]

Mickalene Thomas said it best. "Kehinde Wiley has mastered master paintings." Couldn't agree more. This is so inspiring.

[the-blackManic]

What a remarkable, thoughtful and powerful artist, I am in awe.

[ericcoyle]

And people have been saying things like "painting is dead" for years . WELL< LOOK AT THIS PEOPLE! A painter who is doing amazing work and I have never heard of him before. Eyes opened.

[BrendaSeymour]

The paintings and sculptures in person are magnificent! So fortunate to have the show in San Francisco.

[Lillers]

Such a cool video. I met him when I was 14 at an art opening and he had no idea who I was other than knowing that I loved art and he said I’d be a great artist someday. He and his work are brilliant

[kelleybadgley]

I am so excited to see this exhibit. And terrified because I know my emotions will overflow.

[destinyfire]

I'm an artist and art historian, and Kehinde Wiley is already a giant in the art world. He and many other Black contemporary artists like Yinka Shonibare, Kara Walker, Adrian Piper, Titus Kaphar, etc. have truly shaped my way of thinking of/about art. Great video!

[anthonyiglesias]

Had the pleasure of visiting the exhibit in Houston it was incredible

[angelacollier]

As a visual artist, seeing this artwork was absolutely breathtaking! I saw it in Atlanta, and my grandkids enjoyed it, too! Thank you for sharing your passion and voice creatively and innovatively!

[Nfanorep]

What a thoughtful man and an immense talent! A modern master.Thank you for featuring him, I really loved everything about it and him.

[PatsyC]

Breathtaking, like mountains, soft as if caressing his subjects, and the colors he uses to give life and strength to his subjects are out of these world.

[popswerks]

This artist stands out and transcends our American culture.

[siobhanheffernan]

That was a great show i went twice. Thank you Kehinde

[twittertwice]

In the 90s, I was at the home of friends who lived San Francisco’s Haight Ashbury for dinner… around 1Opm, I was preparing to leave, a family friend, younger than the three of us old adults, came from another part of the house where he had been hanging out with the couples daughter. He was coming to say goodbye and was headed for home. They introduced us as we were all standing at the top of the stairs of their house that began on the second floor. I asked the young man, who reminded of my younger brother, which way he was headed because if he were going in my direction I would give him a ride home . That is the moment I met Kehinde Wiley. We went down and got in my Black Saab. He lived on Hayes Street near Octavia. The area was changing, but could still be a dangerous area at night. It did not take us long to arrive in front of his place. It looked like a possibly abandon bldg. He had begun to tell me who he was, The wunderkind, (my word, not his) who had recently graduated from the SF Art Institute. I began to pull his name out of the recesses of my brain. I worked in the city and was involved with a lot of art institutions, mostly museums, theatre, dance, symphony and ballet. I remember hearing about this young Black man at the Art Institute blowing people away. I was busy working as an exofficio member of the board of directors monitoring the planning of Yerba Buena Center/ Gardens. He was talkative and we sat in my car talking for at least an hour. He was leaving for NYC the next morning and I got the feeling he just wanted closeness for the moment. We talked about his mother and brother and how they meant to him. He spoke about the elite quality of the SF Institute, but as a Black student he was poor outside his art life at the Institute. How sometimes life had been tough. We talked about the Studio Museum. I do not remember him mentioning Yale, but that may be because I had read so much about Thelma Golden, who headed up the Studio Museum. I was focused on him being in the internship program at the Studio museum.. It was getting very late. He said, he was sorry he was all packed or he would give me one of his drawings. I hushed him and told him, he didnt owe me any thing for the ride. I said in the car and watched him disappear into a building that did not appear to be habitable. He turned and waved as he shut a door and I drove off. Years later, I opened the Sunday New York times to see an article about, artist, Kehinde Wiley Exhibition at the Jewish Museum in NYC and my mouth fell open

[tulsacaupain]

I would so love to meet Kehinde. My only way to see his wotk is trough the internet bit I am so thankful for that. Mr Wiley for those who can't come visit your work can you please post more of your work and you. As soon as America doesnt scare me anymore and I can afford it I will fly over and come see your work in person.
❤❤❤🙋🏾🇳🇱🇸🇷

[namida]

Phenomenal. The depth, craft, eloquence, power, vibrance, precision and inventiveness of Kehinde Wiley's visionary works puts me in awe. Wonderful short film and I can't wait to see more at the de Young soon.

[saribeltagy]

One of the most intelligent & well-articulated artists I've ever heard speak. His art reflects his intellect & that is so so rare