How Kehinde Wiley is reshaping the monumental

Exploring the life and work of artist Kehinde Wiley, this film takes viewers on a journey from Wiley’s upbringing in South Central Los Angeles to his ascent as one of the world’s most iconic visual artists. Featuring interviews with the artist, his twin brother Taiwo Wiley, and his close friend and fellow artist Mickalene Thomas, the film was produced in conjunction with the exhibition "An Archaeology of Silence," making its US debut at the de Young museum in March 2023.
"Kehinde Wiley: An Archaeology of Silence" is on view at the de Young until Saturday, October 14. The exhibition is included in general admission and is free every Saturday for Bay Area residents and on select weekends for all! Plan your visit today: www.famsf.org/exhibitions/keh...
Watch more FAMSF Presents: • FAMSF Presents
Learn more:
Kehinde Wiley's Reclamation of Black Lives
www.famsf.org/stories/kehinde...
The Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco describe Kehinde Wiley: An Archaeology of Silence as “the senseless deaths of men and women around the world . . . transformed into a powerful elegy of resistance.” This exhibition showcases Wiley’s work under the shadow of the COVID-19 pandemic, the murder of George Floyd, and the resulting Black Lives Matter movement - arguably the largest movement in the country’s history.
How Artist Lhola Amira Is Making Space for Rest
• How artist Lhola Amira...
Born in Cape Town, South Africa, contemporary artist Lhola Amira responds to the wounds left by colonization across many disparate contexts to create spaces for healing through connection to the earth, the ancestral, and the spiritual.

[@FAMSF]

_Kehinde Wiley: An Archaeology of Silence_ is on view at the de Young from March 18 - October 15, 2023. The exhibition is included in general admission and is free every Saturday for Bay Area residents and on select weekends for all! Plan your visit today: www.famsf.org/exhibitions/kehinde-wiley-an-archaeology-of-silence

[@VENUSANDVICTORY]

I just did a member preview of the exhibition and I will surely visit this show more than once...it is powerful and a very important show...everyone should run don't walk and take in this work.

[@melissasalasblair5273]

Thank you!! :-)

[@levmoses742]

It’s Gorgeous, a must see show! Worth traveling to if you’re at a distance.

[@JenniferSerenity]

When Kehinde Wiley was an artist in residence at the Studio Museum in Harlem that was my introduction to his work and an opportunity to speak with him. His work spoke to me in ways I could not eloquently verbally express at the time. I told him that he was going to be very famous one day. He just stared at me with a blank stare. I wasn't too sure if he heard me. His silence made me wonder if had a vision for himself. I believe he did and it was destined for him to escalate to this level. Thanks for sharing this film. This is a wonderful addition to another film about him which is called, "An Economy of Grace."

[@breimalislobodnoime]

I'll check the other film out. Thank you for sharing 💙

[@SarahMaurerUsagigunnDI]

I am just blown away at the beauty of his work. Seeing this shows me as an artist to focus more on letting the art speak for itself. It just flows in bold and vibrancy but tells a story in itself. I would be so lucky to have a chance to meet him one day.

[@nlbhaduri]

I am an artist, a woman, a mixed race Indian, and was born in Ghana… the moment I saw one of Kehinde’s paintings in New Orleans I think he changed my life….in how to have courage to be myself and to let my story be valid with the stories of everyone else around me. His work is beyond monumental. It is life changing.

[@blackManicArts]

What a remarkable, thoughtful and powerful artist, I am in awe.

[@cantocant2346]

Two Powerhouses of Art!

[@user-iy1dg3oi5d]

The paintings and sculptures in person are magnificent! So fortunate to have the show in San Francisco.

[@ericcoyle3520]

And people have been saying things like "painting is dead" for years . WELL< LOOK AT THIS PEOPLE! A painter who is doing amazing work and I have never heard of him before. Eyes opened.

[@Art_Travel_and_Hobbys]

Great life story... Superb art work

[@destinyfire8185]

I'm an artist and art historian, and Kehinde Wiley is already a giant in the art world. He and many other Black contemporary artists like Yinka Shonibare, Kara Walker, Adrian Piper, Titus Kaphar, etc. have truly shaped my way of thinking of/about art. Great video!

[@christineb7304]

Ty for the names. I am getting into art more and I will research all of these.

[@Impeldown77]

Tysm for putting me on to all these artists 🙏

[@allgoodgranola6879]

Five minutes with this man would no doubt make me smarter. I must know more!

[@kelleybadgley9232]

I am so excited to see this exhibit. And terrified because I know my emotions will overflow.

[@michaelcbyers]

Mickalene Thomas said it best. "Kehinde Wiley has mastered master paintings." Couldn't agree more. This is so inspiring.

[@barbarapugh5662]

Absolutely! He seems to capture light and personality in the same ways as the best of the Old Masters

[@anthonyiglesias1221]

Had the pleasure of visiting the exhibit in Houston it was incredible

[@PatsyC57]

Breathtaking, like mountains, soft as if caressing his subjects, and the colors he uses to give life and strength to his subjects are out of these world.

[@Lillers]

Such a cool video. I met him when I was 14 at an art opening and he had no idea who I was other than knowing that I loved art and he said I’d be a great artist someday. He and his work are brilliant

[@MonicaKoenig]

I am not an artist, but I appreciate it. I am amazed at how artists can hold us captivated by their visions and tell us stories with their paintbrushes. Kehinde Wiley's art feels like a duality of power and frailty, painful and loving, past and present and somehow he magically makes them come together all at once, in one vibrant explosion of beauty.

[@popswerks7915]

This artist stands out and transcends our American culture.

[@patriciaterry5539]

Beautiful

[@namida21]

Phenomenal. The depth, craft, eloquence, power, vibrance, precision and inventiveness of Kehinde Wiley's visionary works puts me in awe. Wonderful short film and I can't wait to see more at the de Young soon.

[@stevenconn630]

What a thoughtful man and an immense talent! A modern master.Thank you for featuring him,I really loved everything about it and him.

[@carlap963]

STUNNING piece.

[@mele9131]

This spoke to my soul.

[@jillmullikin-bates8935]

Enlightening video about Kehinde and his twin brother....excellent companion video to the exhibit! Can't wait to see it all in person.

[@GB-he1zc]

I need grand words to describe how grand your art and what you want it to represent. I don't have any, but joy, happiness mixed with pain, sorrow. Thank you for your grand work and how you got there.

[@joeywilliams5131]

Nine minutes was not enough of this!

[@justinchanhnoy9409]

Seen your exhibit today at the De Young Museum, and WOW! I was amazed by the things I seen, but the moment I walked in that hall with your work no description was needed. You could just feel the meaning behind the art. I would encourage everyone to please see his work in person. Words do no justice how breathtaking it is in person.

[@tkctrlofevltn]

His storytelling skill is truly remarkable. I would love to speak with him, I feel he’s got a wisdom that is sagacious.

[@evefavorse5939]

Fascinating story! His pieces are incredible!

[@hilleentjeelizabed9403]

This work makes me cry and smile a little bit at the same time. Its bittersweet and beautiful and very true. Straight to the heart. Thank you for sharing this.

[@maodonimega]

I love my Kehinde Wiley track top by Puma....at least I can say I own a Kehinde! I was wowed by the free exhibition at the National Art Gallery in London. Thank you Kehinde. It means a lot to us Africans.

[@lauriemccrackenalsted9778]

Beautiful, moving, and important work. Thank you.

[@seaweedsnacks]

Absolutely life-changing to see the special exhibit in San Francisco yesterday. The feeling of how powerful Kehinde's art is hung in the air. Truly profound.

[@Discernmentlab]

I’m going in a few weeks. Was it awesome???

[@beUrS3lf]

I went today it was INCREDIBLE. I took my mom and we both cried together.

[@saribeltagy7630]

One of the most intelligent & well-articulated artists I've ever heard speak. His art reflects his intellect & that is so so rare

[@diegoinjapan]

That was a great one. Masterful stuff!

[@sandraperkins203]

I was so blessed to see some of Kehinde Wiley's work. It took my breath away expanded my heart and made me feel proud to be Black❤

[@auntieayla2310]

Absolutely stunning. I hope I get to see Kehinde's work in person one day.

[@designerboy420]

Incredible artist! It’s refreshing to see someone with so much passion and focus.

[@kathryn175]

Gorgeous video -- and wonderful to "meet" the artist himself. Thank you!

[@ceciliadelury1166]

Untold stories until Kehinde Wiley and his incredible art.

[@lastudentessa]

I LOVE how clear he is about his purpose as an artist! I would love to see these works in person someday! Thank you.

[@justinhunt4767]

Great artist saw a couple of his pieces in person

[@tajmacameron1693]

Brilliant artist ❤

[@katek1017]

Thank you for introducing me to this thought provoking artist, who is telling it like it is, through his innovative and moving way. Kahinde, your art so beautifully moving.

[@MariaPepper13]

BEAUTIFUL AND POWERFUL WORK ❤

[@black_t_films]

Absolutely Stunning.

[@twittertwice]

In the 90s, I was at the home of friends who lived San Francisco’s Haight Ashbury for dinner… around 1Opm, I was preparing to leave, a family friend, younger than the three of us old adults, came from another part of the house where he had been hanging out with the couples daughter. He was coming to say goodbye and was headed for home. They introduced us as we were all standing at the top of the stairs of their house that began on the second floor. I asked the young man, who reminded of my younger brother, which way he was headed because if he were going in my direction I would give him a ride home . That is the moment I met Kehinde Wiley. We went down and got in my Black Saab. He lived on Hayes Street near Octavia. The area was changing, but could still be a dangerous area at night. It did not take us long to arrive in front of his place. It looked like a possibly abandon bldg. He had begun to tell me who he was, The wunderkind, (my word, not his) who had recently graduated from the SF Art Institute. I began to pull his name out of the recesses of my brain. I worked in the city and was involved with a lot of art institutions, mostly museums, theatre, dance, symphony and ballet. I remember hearing about this young Black man at the Art Institute blowing people away. I was busy working as an exofficio member of the board of directors monitoring the planning of Yerba Buena Center/ Gardens. He was talkative and we sat in my car talking for at least an hour. He was leaving for NYC the next morning and I got the feeling he just wanted closeness for the moment. We talked about his mother and brother and how they meant to him. He spoke about the elite quality of the SF Institute, but as a Black student he was poor outside his art life at the Institute. How sometimes life had been tough. We talked about the Studio Museum. I do not remember him mentioning Yale, but that may be because I had read so much about Thelma Golden, who headed up the Studio Museum. I was focused on him being in the internship program at the Studio museum.. It was getting very late. He said, he was sorry he was all packed or he would give me one of his drawings. I hushed him and told him , he didnt owe me any thing for the ride. I said in the car and watched him disappear into a building that did not appear to be habitable. He turned and waved as he shut a door and I drove off. Years later, I opened the Sunday New York times to see an article about, artist, Kehinde Wiley Exhibition at the Jewish Museum in NYC and my mouth fell open

[@sensto]

Beautifully profound.

[@marcellinodadon1103]

...the black male in the mugshot was beautiful...and Kehinde's painting of him was spectacular...✊🏿...♥️...❤...

[@rootsandpots5841]

Superb! Important line of work & immensely inspiring & beautiful. Congratulations!

[@nicolletteramirez]

Beautiful. Can’t wait to visit his studio in Senegal 🇸🇳

[@orbreyhinkson7484]

AWESOME! So inspirational.

[@liner2]

Wow! This will be part of my upcoming San Francisco visit this April. Can’t wait to see those stunning art pieces. 😊

[@bihsaidwhatnow2392]

If you know someone who lives in San Francisco, please have them reserve ticket(s) for Saturday. . . . . .whereupon admissions for several counties are FREE. Otherwise, supporting the museum via membership is also a beautiful thing.

[@ART_INDIA]

Unique Art 🎨 and Very meaning full Work....🙏🙏🙏💐💐💐💐💐💐💐💐💐💐

[@susanncatelynn7971]

I had never heard of Kehinde Wiley. I am so glad I watched this. The path he takes to the personal and the beauty really impacts me. I look forward to seeing his exhibit. Thank you, Kehinde, for following your passion.

[@eatpaintluvnetwork]

He painted President Barak Obama

[@barbaraarlen2882]

This is an excellent video. I love his paintings and I learned so much about Wiley's philosophy. Thank you.

[@ADELINEGOLDMINC]

Beautiful brilliant honest and really compelling..I love yourt work, your discourse. ..thank you!! ❤

[@judihopewell2499]

I have followed Kehinde’s work for some years and as a portrait artist he is truly inspiring and eloquently projects the dilemma and gorgeous beauty of the ebony skinned people of his world. Bit by bit he is bringing awareness to both injustice and advancement of his brothers and sisters and their causes. I would like to see him go into the jails and record some stories there. Those captive men are still subjected in there to a sort of unpaid slavery as inmates work for nothing. It bears looking at and expressing in his phenomenal work…..and the honour of painting the first black president was no mistake…he is genius at work…go see it…make a trip to nyc and experience the majestic nature of his pieces….

[@betterpizza]

This is wonderful. Thank you!

[@QualquerCoisa387]

So wonderful!

[@viviancovington7813]

Absolutely brilliant! 😊

[@oppositeofh8]

thanks so much for this piece. it means a lot.

[@blanchegreco7201]

This was very very interesting. I’m so glad I came across this video. This is exactly what I needed at the moment.

[@cheerfulstrength940]

Thank you! 💙🙏🏽💙

[@annettelanni4820]

I went to the preview show at the De Young. Kehinde Wiley's work is timely and impactful. It's about time this story was told and could of told it better?

[@originimages4662]

Thank You. I really needed to see this.

[@paulfenton9896]

Just WOW. How beautiful. Kehinde has amassed so much stunning work across different disciplines. Insane. Hopefully this show (or another one) will make it down to Australia at some point. I would love to stand before some of those pieces and take them in. x

[@kaylahsterling5333]

a poignant film about one of our contemporary masters. Yay Kehinde. We love you in the bay area, and are so happy to see a substantial exhibit in our area....

[@newbietubie]

Oh, he's back to actually painting his paintings. Nice.

[@manatee_flips6811]

Very inspirational, we are lucky to have you as an artist during these complex times.

[@thethirdcrouch]

oh my god the art is extraordinary

[@japhy6536]

so so sooooo good. STANDING OVATION

[@sharonreaves]

Thank you for shining a light with your beautiful, thoughtful and ever so talented perspective. It's one of THE MOST splendid exhibits I've seen and one I will return to often.

[@IrvoDominguez]

The sculptures are so breath taking!!! I found myself really moved by it, they're so powerful and beautiful!! I truly love his paintings and now his sculptural work.

[@jaimeantoniobaez1077]

Talented and handsome.

[@khchoi25]

I am blown away

[@janetbarber6781]

Thank you so much ❤ So moving. Such important and necessary work 🙏🏿

[@jameshatzopoulos9885]

Great work!

[@ruralliberal1377]

wow. amazing! just wow.

[@dsan5825]

Mind blown!

[@kevinnapier8996]

#Amazing #StoryTelling!!!!

[@caifrank7425]

Great Artist

[@Britneytheyellowroseoftexas]

Inspiration is a gift that keeps on giving. I appreciate the Artist. Thank you for sharing.

[@ChloeBates93]

Absolutely stunning video. Gave me such increased appreciation for this incredible artist.

[@anakirola9204]

He is such an inspiration. A very deep and sensitive spirt with a gift of art and conversation.

[@bad9476]

I SAW HIS STUFF IN LONDON THEY ACC GAVE ME LIFE OML

[@BetinaLundkaerJensenartist]

Really moving...

[@schwaar]

Thank you for the care that went into this piece. It nearly made me cry watching.

[@DaucusKarota]

Breath taking. It literally takes my breath away.

[@natashasherman4458]

his art is so good I wish I could paint like that.

[@livefullynow6947]

Wow…the power

[@jazmynakins618]

I got the privilege to actually see a real kehinde Wiley painting in person, and it was breathtaking

[@dawnl.7792]

I was just talking about kehinde in my painting 1 class as we are studying portraiture. so wonderful that i stumbled upon this video today. will be showing it monday in class.

[@jcwt_pdx]

Beautiful 😍

[@Pamela-zy7vc]

*not only would I look at his art forever, I could also listen to him forever🥰*

[@BestFitSquareChannel]

Breathtaking. Potent. Beautiful. Thank you. Best wishes, health, joy, wellbeing.

[@Kaij07]

Kehinde Wiley has always been my favorite artist ever since I was a kid. There is almost no black males in the art world, at the ones that are (like Basquiat and Kehinde Wiley) are enough to count on your finger. I am going to San Francisco soon and am exited to see the work of a fellow black male artist!

[@michaelwesterman7831]

raymond saunders! kerry james marshall!david bradford...

[@crespo03]

There have been a lot of black painters in history other than kehinde and basquiat. They just dont get the noteriety they deserve. You have to search for them

[@gerry-louiserobinson4612]

Amazing piece of work. Thank you

[@tonjastandley375]

Stunning🧡🧡🧡🧡

[@beverlyserrell2979]

This is so great.

[@sp9138]

Great Work I love it we need more black artist