Kehinde Wiley‘s exhibit, titled “A New Republic,” officially opened to the public Thursday at the Brooklyn Museum. Wiley was present at the event for most of the evening, walking throughout the museum and graciously taking pictures and chatting with whomever approached him (we queried about the impact of his paintings inclusion in Scandal, surprisingly he said there hasn’t been a lot). The exhibit is an amazing one, in part because having all his work grouped in one place adds a level of energy and excitement akin to what one might feel on the city streets from where Wiley does his casting. It’s like all the cast of characters are hanging out with each other, feeling relaxed and at ease with themselves.
The description of the exhibit raises questions about race and gender, but it’s also just really beautiful, loving portrayals of everyday people in all their brown skin glory. After closing in Brooklyn on May 24th, the show will travel to Fort Worth, Seattle and Richmond, Virginia. All images by Lois Sakany for TheSnobette.
