Deitch Projects is pleased to present Black Light, an exhibition of photographs by Kehinde Wiley that thrusts the black male image, captured by means of light manipulation and digital technology, into focus. Wiley’s artistic process reveals an integral component of his studio practice rarely seen while remaining, uniquely, Kehinde Wiley portraiture. Wiley collapses history and style into a uniquely contemporary vision. He makes figurative paintings that “quote historical sources and position young black men within that field of ‘power.’”

Deitch Project
September 03, 2009 — September 26, 2009
76 Grand Street, New York

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Roberts and Tilton presented the opening of Kehinde Wiley’s The World Stage: Brazil (O Estágio Do Mundo) this past Saturday (4.4). Dailydujour had the pleasure of attending the opening and shooting the impressive new body of work  which is the  result of Wiley’s residence in Rio de Janeiro. This new solo show is the latest installment in his continuing World Stage series. Rather than celebrating the upper crust – nobility and statesmen heralded and celebrated in sculptures seen throughout the city, Wiley casts his attention towards the everyday black and brown men.   While the work is intertwined with the history of western portraiture, it also is infused with the essence of Brazil most conspiciously in terms of the floral backgrounds based on indigenous fabrics.

While the portraits are beautifully executed with radiant colors, the work excels because it dares to shake the viewer from his or her comfort zone.  The presentation of these perhaps unlikely subjects in grand poses wearing their  American clothing, raises unavoidable questions of expectations, societal norms and the role of increasing globalization.

If you couldn’t make the opening, we’ve got plenty of pictures of the pieces and tonight’s reception.  For those of you fortunate enough to live in SoCal definitely take the opportunity to visit the gallery and view the work in person.  The show runs through May 30th, 2009.

Roberts & Tilton
5801 Washington Boulevard
Culver City, California 90232
323.549.0223

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This Saturday Roberts & Tilton opens The World Stage: Brazil, the latest offering of Kehinde Wiley’s ambitious World Stage series. Through Wiley’s extensive investigative exchange, the artist’s contemporary yet historical oeuvre accentuates international cultures and their denizens, evoking discourse on an ever-expanding examination of globalization.

During Wiley’s residency in Rio de Janeiro, Afro-Brazilian men became the impetus for the majestic paintings, inspired by the iconic nationalistic sculptures that line the city streets and anchor its parks. Statesmen, noblemen, and the elite of Brazil are erased from their perches; the young black and brown men from present-day favelas are aggrandized. In tandem with the homoerotic undertone, Wiley further challenges the realm of the conventional male gaze. The viewer is forced to confront notions of the inherent colonial influence, exoticism and festishization.

Kehinde Wiley
The World Stage: Brazil
April 4 – May 30, 2009
Opening Reception Saturday, April 4th, 6 – 8pm

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A couple of weeks ago I attended the opening reception for LA native Kehinde Wiley’s spectacular exhibition of large-scale paintings at Deitch Projects.  Wiley has described his approach as “interrogating the notion of the master painter, at once critical and complicit.” His figurative paintings “quote historical sources and position young black men within that field of ‘power.’” These new works were inspired by images of fallen warriors, saints, and classical mythology.

Perhaps more impressive than the scale was the delicate rendition of these figures amidst vibrant floral patterns. Be sure to check this show out before its closing on Dec. 20!

PS- While at the show, I ran into artist Steve Powers who mentioned his upcoming exhibition at Colette Gallery in Paris.

The “epic in nature” artist Kehinde Wiley will open his most ambitious series to date tomorrow at Deitch Projects in NY. His figurative paintings will extend to 25 feet in length and possess a grandeur and flair that makes Wiley one of the most interesting artists working.

According to the press release: “Wiley has created an unsettling series of prone bodies – some a product of the ravages of war, some contorted into erotic revelry, while other embody the majesty and severity of entombed Saints.”

DD will keep you posted with some show photos and images of the work soon.

You can chat about Wiley here.

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