Matador 2009

Kehinde Wiley created this painting, titled “Matador,” using oil on canvas, a classic combination that goes way back in Western art. Wiley’s approach is distinctive. He often begins by scouting models on the street, inviting them to select poses from art historical sources. Here, he’s chosen a figure reminiscent of classical reclining nudes, and positioned his model against a vibrant monochrome background. But notice the clothing: jeans, sneakers, and a brightly patterned jacket. These contemporary garments, likely mass-produced and reflective of everyday fashion, contrast sharply with the traditional medium of oil paint. This juxtaposition is not accidental. Wiley is deliberately blending the high art tradition of portraiture with the realities of contemporary urban life. This prompts us to consider labor and class. How does the act of painting, a historically elite practice, intersect with the lived experiences of the people Wiley portrays? By bringing these two worlds together, Wiley challenges our assumptions about who gets to be represented in art, and how. It's a powerful statement about visibility, representation, and the ongoing relevance of painting in the 21st century.