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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