Recent Inspiration

Kehinde Wiley

Kehinde Wiley is an artist I discovered on Instagram. This is the first image I saw and it was love at first sight...

The Lamentation Over the Dead Christ, 2008, oil on canvas,131"x112" 

Maybe it was because I recognized two things at once, mastery and intellect. I saw the undeniable skill and mastery of a gifted painter and simultaneously recognized the remarkable juxtaposition of reference, content, comment, and intelligence - it was utterly poignant. 

Because I am a student of Art History I immediately recognized Wiley's reference to an historical theme in religious art for centuries, expressed in various ways. This piece by Wiley is a direct reference to the groundbreaking foreshortened perspective of Andrea Mantegna in the 15th century.

Andrea Mantegna, The Lamentation Over the Dead Christ, c.1490,
tempera on canvas, 27"x32" 

Here is a short, in depth explanation of Mantegna's work from Kahn Academy.  Wiley was not the first artist to "quote" Mantegna. Bazzi did it.

Giovanni Bazzi, c. 1503, oil on canvas, 30"x 43"

Annibale Carraci did it too.

Annibale Carraci, 1583-85, oil on canvas, 27.8" x 35" 

So "quoting," or following a great idea with your own version is a VERY old idea. I am somehow much more intrigued, moved and contemplative about Wiley's work than Mantegna's or others that came after.
As a strategy for great art suggested by T. S. Eliot asserts, he doesn't borrow from Mantegna, he steals. His improvements and extrapolations are simply genius. So I followed him on Instagram and looked for more. His prolific production of series and fearless investigation media and various thematic symbolism, and narrative, is intriguing and inspiring. Quite honestly I am hooked.

These Stained glass works are monopolizing a medium and format once reserved for religious iconography and narrative. Wiley has co-opted their sacred nature for a different use, a different story. He has been refered to as today's Andy Warhol. He has become a rock star of the art world for his innovative, and challenging outlook on the art world. I am inspired by his talent, his courage, and his work.

From a CBS Sunday Morning interview with Kehinde Wiley...

you can find more of Kehinde's work on his beautiful website, here.

next time....

Yinka Shonibare MBE(RA)