Saint Adrian

"My works quote historical sources and position young black men within the field of power." -Kehinde Wiley An admirer of historical paintings in museums, Kehinde Wiley was struck that as a black man he was unable "to see a reflection of myself in that world." Thus, he set about to make a change. His works reimagine famous paintings, substituting a contemporary African American man or woman for the traditional white figure. Such images challenge viewers to think about the dynamics of status, race, and representation. This painting is based on the 16th-century artist Hans Holbein the Younger's depiction of Saint Adrian. As in Holbein's image, Wiley's figure holds a sword and anvil, taking on historical attributes of power and heroism.

Gift of John and Sharon Hoffman