Kehinde Wiley
Kehinde Wiley, born in 1977, is an American portrait painter recognized for his vibrant, large-scale works that juxtapose contemporary Black subjects with classical European art styles and motifs. By blending modern urban culture with traditional portraiture, Wiley offers a fresh and powerful perspective on identity, race, and power. He is perhaps most renowned for his official portrait of former President Barack Obama, which was unveiled alongside Amy Sherald's portrait of Michelle Obama at the Smithsonian's National Portrait Gallery in 2018. Through his distinct artistic approach, Wiley challenges established narratives in art and compels viewers to reconsider notions of beauty and representation.