Years later, during Wiley’s residency at the Studio Museum from 2001 to 2002, Wiley stumbled upon a discarded mugshot of a Black man, which inspired him to paint Black figures in the same manner as historical depictions of European aristocracy. These everyday Black people in regal poses challenge stereotypes and display the complexity and strength of Black identity. His insertion of Black people into the canon disrupts the under-representation of Black figures in art history and affords them agency, autonomy, and respect.

Wiley’s work is a product of collaboration with his subjects. He scouts models from across the world and engages with his subjects beyond the canvas, allowing them to assert their agency and personhood, which he reflects in his work. His subjects include notable figures such as Notorious B.I.G. and Ice T and individuals from everyday life. In 2018, Kehinde Wiley was selected to paint President Barack Obama, becoming the first African American artist to produce a presidential portrait, commissioned by the National Portrait Gallery.

Wiley received his BFA from the San Francisco Art Institute and his MFA from the Yale School of Art. He is the recipient of the Young Artist Award from Americans for the Arts (2008); US Department of State Medal Award (2015); the Gordon Parks Foundation Award (2019); and the Artist of the Year Award from Apollo Magazine (2021). Wiley was an artist in residence at the Studio Museum from 2001 to 2002. His work first entered the Studio Museum collection in 2002.