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KEHINDE WILEY ISRAELI PORTRAIT

KEHINDE WILEY EXHIBIT NEW JEWISH MUSEUM SAN FRANCISCO

JENNY SAVILLE AT THE SF MUSEUM OF MODERN ART

I don't remember when I became aware of a young black artist named Kehinde Wiley, but I was instantly a huge fan!  Amazing talent with a contemporary message and unique presentation, I loved looking at his paintings on the internet.   You can find lots of information on his background, message and technique on line.  He has continued to grow in stature and recognition.  I was excited to find a notice in the local newspaper that there was a new exhibit at the Jewish Museum with paintings by Kehinde Wiley.  At first I was a little mystified at the connection but Kehinde travels around the world and paints local young black males.   He did a series of Ethiopian Jews and some Arabs which were the feature of the exhibit.  I shared my interest with my critic group and we decided to take a field trip into San Francisco.  Great fun!!!!!  The subway let us off less than a block from the Jewish Museum.  Another block and we were at the SF Museum of Modern Art.  I managed to get through the gift shop without buying any heavy books I would have to cart around although there were several very tempting volumes.  A nice gourmet lunch followed by a tour of the museum brought about the discover of a very large Jenny Saville nude!  This is another artist that I fell in love with from the internet.  There is nothing like seeing art in person.  As wonderful as photography is, it can't capture the scale, color, texture and atmosphere of the actual art.  

We saved the New Jewish Museum for last and it definitely was like dessert!   The color in these portraits is delicious!  The patterns in the background are a trademark of Kehinde's work and these were taken from traditional ceremonial embellishments as well as ancient crafts like paper cuts.  Even the frames were custom made with the top having flanking Lions of Judah, the tablets of Moses and the sign of the priestly blessing (two hands with the fingers split between the middle finger and the ring finger) (which Star Trek "borrowed").   The Arab portraits did not have the 10 Commandments Tablets or the Priestly Blessing, instead the Lions and a single table with the phrase, written in Hebrew, "Can't we all just get along".  Wisdom borrowed from Rodney King.  Many of the portraits on exhibit are quite large and all are stunning to view in person.  

It was a very special day to share with my very special friends.