Dignity in Every Pose
I want to show that dignity and beauty exist not just in historical canon, but everywhere around us
Kehinde Wiley
American painter known for recontextualizing Old Master paintings by positioning contemporary Black subjects in classical poses.
All moments: Kehinde Wiley
- The New Classic — Kehinde Wiley
Art history is not a static museum, it is a living dialogue in which everyone can participate
- Addressing the Ideal — Kehinde Wiley
Classical painting has set a very narrow standard of beauty. I need to expand that ideal
- Floral Design as Archive — Kehinde Wiley
The flowers behind my figures are not mere decoration, they are an archive, a history, a monument
- Dialogue Across Centuries — Kehinde Wiley
The Old Masters created a language of beauty. I use that same language but give it a new voice
- Portrait as Politics — Kehinde Wiley
To paint someone's portrait is an act of power. Whose image hangs in the museum determines who matters in society
- Rewriting History — Kehinde Wiley
Classical art has always excluded people like me. I take that history and rewrite it to include myself and my people
Related moments
- Birth of a Legend — Paul McCartney
The Beatles were about growth. We changed every single day.
- All Music Is Folk Music — Louis Armstrong
All music is folk music. I ain't never heard a horse sing a song.
- The Power of Compassion — Michael Jackson
The most important thing is love and compassion. They override everything.
- Music Is Life — Jon Batiste
Music is a spiritual practice, a therapy, a way to connect us to ourselves and each other
- Alien Artist — David Bowie
I never tried to fit in. I prefer to be myself, even if it's alien.
- Compromise and Conscience — Bob Dylan
I'll never sell my soul for money or fame. It's my only true asset.