Passing;Posing From Coronation Of The Virgin 2005

Kehinde Wiley made this portrait called 'Passing;Posing From Coronation Of The Virgin', and it feels like the paint is almost breathing. Look how the figure emerges from this wild, ornate background. There’s this dance between the flat, decorative elements and the intense realism of the figure. Wiley’s got this incredible control over his medium, he builds up the oil paint, layering thin glazes of color to achieve the sheen on the jacket. But it's not just about showing off skills. It’s the way he uses the material, the weight of the paint, to create a sense of presence, that really grabs me. And then there's the ribbon. Such a small detail, yet it pulls the whole painting together. The folds and curves echo the floral motifs, but also it feels like a metaphor, a tie that binds the past and present. It reminds me of Mickalene Thomas and the way she uses bling to reclaim historical narratives. Ultimately, this piece is all about seeing and being seen.