Kehinde Wiley
Painter of grand portraits that reimagine who gets remembered.
Their Story
Kehinde Wiley is an American painter known for his large, colorful portraits of Black men and women in heroic poses inspired by classical paintings. He painted the official portrait of President Barack Obama. His work often features rich patterns and bright backgrounds.
Era
2000s & Today
Field
Portrait Painting
Kehinde Wiley
Painter of grand portraits that reimagine who gets remembered.
Art · Portrait Painting · 2000s & Today · Black Innovators, LGBTQ+ Innovators
Their Story
Kehinde Wiley is an American painter known for his large, colorful portraits of Black men and women in heroic poses inspired by classical paintings. He painted the official portrait of President Barack Obama. His work often features rich patterns and bright backgrounds.
Key Innovation
Reimagined classical portrait traditions to celebrate Black subjects in heroic, vibrant paintings.
Why It Matters Today
His art shows students how revisiting old traditions can give new groups of people a place in history.
Learn More
- Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kehinde_Wiley
Wilkinson STEM Education Foundation · 251 American Innovators · wilkinsonstemfoundation.org
