Kehinde Wiley’s New Show at Sean Kelly Gallery
For the first time ever, the painter known for his larger-than-life portraits of urban black men has taken women as his subject. “Economy of Grace,” on view at Sean Kelly Gallery in Chelsea through June 16, features portraits of 12 African-American women cast from the streets of New York, each dressed for the sittings in a custom design by Riccardo Tisci. At the opening last Saturday, W caught up with the artist and a few of his powerful, elegant muses.
Kehinde Wiley’s Two Sisters, 2012, at Sean Kelly Gallery, New
Kehinde Wiley
Dacia Carter 30″ x 24″ oil on canvas 2012 Copyright Kehinde Wiley Courtesy of Sean Kelly Gallery, New York
Khalidiah Assante in front of the painting for which she modeled
Lady Yvette and Kevin Ewing
Kancou Diaovno 30″ x 24″ oil on canvas 2012 Copyright Kehinde Wiley Courtesy of Sean Kelly Gallery, New York
Dee, Hairstylist for “An Economy of Grace”
Dacia Carter in front of the painting for which she modeled
Mary Little, Later Lady Carr 30″ x 24″ oil on canvas 2012 Copyright Kehinde Wiley Courtesy of Sean Kelly Gallery, New York
