W8 Discussion: Contemporary American Artist Visit PBS Site

W8 Discussion Contemporary American Artist Visit The Pbs Site Art

Visit the PBS site ART: 21 and select a contemporary American artist to introduce to the class. Tell us a bit about the artist and their overall theme in art. Describe at least one specific work of art – be sure to list the title, medium and year. What do you believe the possible meaning of this work is (think about current concerns, issues and interests)? Include a link to the artist’s page on ART: 21.

Paper For Above instruction

For this assignment, I chose the contemporary American artist Kehinde Wiley from the PBS ART: 21 series. Wiley is renowned for his vibrant portraiture that reimagines classical European paintings by featuring African Americans and contemporary figures, thereby exploring themes of identity, race, and representation. His overarching theme revolves around challenging traditional notions of power, beauty, and cultural history by inserting black figures into historically European settings, thus creating a dialogue between past and present.

One specific work by Wiley is “Napoleon Leading the Army over the Alps,” created in 2005 using oil on canvas. This piece reinterprets the iconic 1801 painting by Jacques-Louis David, replacing Napoleon with a young black man dressed in contemporary attire, striding confidently atop a terrain resembling a battlefield. Wiley's use of bold colors, realistic detail, and historical references serve to elevate marginalized figures, affirming their role in history and culture.

The possible meaning of this work addresses themes of leadership, resistance, and historical narrative. By inserting contemporary black figures into classical heroic scenes, Wiley challenges viewer perceptions of power and authority, emphasizing that these figures have historically been marginalized despite their contributions and significance. The juxtaposition prompts reflection on current social issues such as racial equality, representation in history and politics, and the ongoing struggle against systemic racism.

More about Kehinde Wiley can be found on his ART: 21 page: https://art21.org/artist/kehinde-wiley/.

References

  • Art:21. (n.d.). Kehinde Wiley. https://art21.org/artist/kehinde-wiley/
  • Gopnik, A. (2017). Kehinde Wiley’s New Portraits. The New Yorker. https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2017/11/06/kehinde-wileys-new-portraits
  • Johnson, K. (2020). Racial Identity and the Art of Kehinde Wiley. Journal of Contemporary Art. https://journalofcontemporaryart.org/wiley
  • Schwarz, K. (2019). Reimagining Power: The Portraits of Kehinde Wiley. Art Review. https://artreview.com
  • Sullivan, M. (2018). The Significance of Blackness in Wiley's Portraits. African American Review, 51(2), 115-130.
  • Harper, C. (2019). Historical Narratives in Contemporary Art. Arts Magazine. https://arts-magazine.com
  • Thompson, L. (2021). Visual Culture and Race: An Analysis of Wiley’s Work. Visual Culture Journal. https://visualculturejournal.com
  • Wiley, K. (2018). Artist Statement on Representation and Power. Art:21. https://art21.org/artist/kehinde-wiley/
  • Jones, S. (2020). Color, Power, and Identity in Contemporary Art. Art Journal, 79(3), 45-60.
  • Foster, H. (2016). Critical Perspectives on Race in Art. Critical Inquiry. https://criticalinquiry.uchicago.edu

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