A popular hip-hop artist — one who is not a musical performer — is expanding the conversation on masculinity, hip-hop, and black American culture. Kehinde Wiley, who is known in the art world for his vibrant, larger-than-life reinterpretations of classical portraits featuring young African American men, unveiled his painting, “Thiogo Oliveira do Rosario Rozendo,” to a capacity audience at the High Museum of Art.
Wiley has made such an impact with his craft that his fans encouraged the High Museum to show the Thiogo portrait in Atlanta. During his discussion with the diverse group of art patrons the artist talked about the unfair depiction of black men in the media.
Wiley’s portrait style is frequently compared to the great traditionalists and his slightly larger than life size figures are depicted in a heroic manner. Their poses represent strength and spiritual awakening and painting may be purchased from $15,000 to $40,000. If the crowd of hundreds who gathered to hear him Wiley, see his work, and get signed copies of his are any indication, one can assume that any money spent on his work will bring a sound return on investment, both aesthetically and financially.–archel bernard
