SUPERSONIC ART: Kehinde Wiley’s “HAVANA”
Kehinde Wiley, renowned for his large-scale oil portraits that reinterpret European painting traditions by prominently featuring Black and Brown individuals, once again challenges conventional narratives in his latest collection titled HAVANA, currently showcased at Sean Kelly in New York. Wiley’s unique style typically involves vibrant backgrounds and positing his subjects in grand, colorful patterns. He drew inspiration from two trips to Cuba, in 2015 and 2022, exploring the vibrant, festive spirit present in many global celebrations like Mardi Gras.
In this collection, Wiley captures the diverse, creative personalities of his subjects adorned in bright clothing and accessories. He articulates that despite their differing experiences, a common thread that binds them is the economic impact of America on Cuba – a relationship steeped in fascination, suspicion, intrigue, and cultural significance. His work also pays homage to influential artists such as Henri Toulouse-Lautrec, Pablo Picasso, and Alexander Calder, who examined similar themes during the early 20th century. Through depicting acrobats, dancers, and musicians, Wiley explores Cuba’s political history, economic struggles, and the relentless quest for artistic liberty, using the spectacle of circuses and carnivals as a platform for celebration, disruption, and self-expression.
