Contemporary painter Kehinde Wiley is set to debut his latest exhibition, "An Economy of Grace," at New York's Sean Kelly Gallery on Saturday, May 5. In the painter's first exhibition featuring female subjects, Wiley uses his urban baroque style to celebrate the beauty of black women, who, he claims, are often marginalized as subjects in the art world.
"This series of works attempts to reconcile the presence of black female stereotypes that surrounds their presence and/or absence in art history, and the notions of beauty, spectacle, and the 'grand' in painting," Wiley says.
Wiley partnered with Givenchy Creative Director Riccardo Tisci to design six unique dresses to outfit the portraits' black female models.
"An Economy of Grace" will be at the Sean Kelly Gallery in New York until June 16.
Sean Kelly Gallery
528 W. 29th St.
New York, NY 10001
Opening reception: May 5, 6-8 p.m.
On display: May 6 to June 16
Previous recommendation: Santigold Takes Her New Music on the Road.
Got ideas for The Root Recommends? Send them to recommendations@theroot.com.