Portrait Of A Lady 2013

Kehinde Wiley painted this portrait of a lady, and wow, what a presence she has! Imagine the act of painting this; the vibrant colours emerging, shifting into form through trial, error, and intuition. I sympathize with Wiley, imagining him in the studio, trying to capture her essence. What was he thinking as he built up the layers of paint? The texture is so smooth, almost like porcelain, and the colors! That intense blue floral pattern behind her creates a powerful contrast with her warm skin tones. Look at the way the light catches the jewelry and the sheen of the leaves wrapping around her body. You get the feeling the subject is also involved in the painting; it is as if the painting is in conversation with her, her gaze meeting the gaze of the artist. Painters are always in an ongoing conversation, exchanging ideas across time. Wiley draws inspiration from historical portraiture while also transforming it, making it utterly his own. Painting is so embodied, allowing for endless interpretations and meanings.