Nelson Silva Eaflanzino Jr. 2009

Kehinde Wiley created this painting, *Nelson Silva Eaflanzino Jr.*, with a striking use of vibrant colors and intricate patterns, really pushing the boundaries of traditional portraiture. The work feels both classical and contemporary, like a mashup of old and new. The surface is smooth, almost porcelain-like, which gives the figure a sense of presence and solidity. But then you have these pops of color and floral motifs that seem to float on top, creating a playful tension. There’s something really interesting happening in the way Wiley balances realism with these decorative elements. Notice how the flowers seem to be both part of the background and also subtly disrupt it, challenging our perceptions of depth and space. Wiley's work reminds me of Chris Ofili, but with a twist, he recontextualizes historical styles to amplify marginalized voices. It’s about taking ownership and rewriting the narrative, one brushstroke at a time.