Kehinde Wiley: A New Republic

by Eugenie Tsai, Connie H. Choi (Contributor)

Filled with reproductions of Kehinde Wiley’s bold, colorful, and monumental work, this book encompasses the artist’s various series of paintings as well as his sculptural work—which boldly explore ideas about race, power, and tradition.

Genres: Art, Nonfiction, Art History, Photography

246 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 18, 2015

Reviews

[Rose Peterson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm obsessed with Kehinde Wiley, and this book allowed me to indulge my obsession. Looking at his artwork alone is a transformative experience, but reading the words of those who have studied it on a deeper level is truly enlightening.

This book was vital because it awakened my critical senses. I found myself formulating essay titles and theses, furiously asking questions, and copying thought-provoking quotes while I worked my way through the written portion of this book. I don't read much art criticism, but A New Republic makes me want to start. (And I may start by sifting through the bibliography from this book. Several critics quoted lead me to suspect I could write an essay titled "'Difficult Subject Matter': Thinly-Veiled Racism in the Criticism of Kehinde Wiley's Art," but I need some more evidence before I can prove that.)

I had to sub for a class while I was reading this book, so I brought it with me as an impromptu lesson plan, and the kids loved it. I asked them to list words that came to mind when they saw Wiley's paintings. They made an extensive list: power, royalty, tough, brave, flexin, strong, warrior, confident, men, lead, black, different, show out, pure, proud. I'm going to buy my own copy of this book and display Wiley's artwork in my classroom; my kids deserve to feel every one of those adjectives every single day.

[Natalie Park · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have seen a few of his paintings but wanted to know more about his background and other works of art. This book provided a great overview with different insights from various sources.

[Abby · Rating 4 out of 5]

An excellent companion to the exhibition, which I was fortunate enough to see at SAM this month. The essays in this catalog added a lot to my understanding & appreciation of Wiley's incredible works (which really need to be seen to be thoroughly appreciated). If you aren't able to see this show, then this book is the second-best thing. Lots of really excellent analysis here, especially on the many deep levels of art history, cultural criticism, race relations, queerness, and much more operating in Wiley's very sophisticated and beautifully executed works. Highly recommended for anyone who has seen the exhibit and anyone who cares about modern art, culture and black history.

[David Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love an artist who can find so many things to say within a distinctive style, and doesn't allow a signature to become a stifling limitation. Wiley's paintings demonstrate not only a passion for the people he portrays, but also the knowledge of history and technique he brings to the task of portraying them. His confidence in the beauty of his undeniable.

The supplemental texts accompanying the paintings are definitely worth reading, as they reveal much about the context Wiley is operating in as he appropriates and rearranges the compositions of "old masters." They place him within the tradition, not apart from it, and his work looks great in that company.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great images, stories explain a lot about the artist.

[Kristy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This beautifully produced book was brought together on the occasion of a retrospective exhibit of Kehinde Wiley's work at the Brooklyn Museum in 2015. The plates are arranged chronologically and many are accompanied by short essays by a wide variety of art historians, art critics, artists, and even poets that contextualize and respond to Wiley's work. In addition, two longer essays start out the book by giving us an introduction to the exhibit and an overview of Wiley's work and its reception. I was mostly familiar with Wiley from his portrait of President Obama in the National Portrait Gallery, and just slightly aware of his other paintings. Spending some time with this work and reading the accompanying reflections gave me a deeper appreciation for what Wiley is doing and how exactly he is doing it. I am jealous of anyone who has gotten to see his work in person, especially all in context at one of his openings -- they sound wild! This was given to me as a gift by a friend who apparently has a sixth sense for what will hit me just right (thanks, Des <3 ). Looking at art has always been one of my techniques for resetting my brain. I hope that someday I get to do that in person again, but until then, this book will help quite a bit.

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kehinde Wiley’s work is POWERFUL.

[Cara Byrne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wiley's artwork is brilliant and mesmerizing, and I can understand how he has been countlessly defined as a wunderkind. While I appreciate the size of this volume, the quality of the reproductions, and the organization of Wiley's work in chronological order (from "Conspicuous Fraud Series #1 Eminence" (2001) - "Saint Gregory Palamas" (2014), I would seek criticism and more information about him and his work elsewhere.

[Kate · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have enjoyed Mr Wiley's paintings for years now. Every time I'm in Brooklyn, I have to stop in at the museum so I can see "Napoleon..." So, I was especially excited when my roommate brought this book home and left it on the coffee table. I don't read a lot of art criticism, but I found this book to be accessible and engaging, just like Mr Wiley's artwork.

[Hayley DeRoche · Rating 5 out of 5]

Provides gorgeous renditions of Wiley's work accompanied by contextual information and essays, and the occasional poetic piece. Would recommend for anyone interested in Wiley's work and the historical pieces he so skillfully reimagines.

[Kevin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great showcase of his works, plenty of examples on good stock. Several essays also explore his work.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a wonderful book which showcase all of the painting of Kehindey Wiley in updating some of the most popular paintings of past using today's models.

[Adrianne]

Looking forward to reading the exhibit catalog after having just seen the artworks this weekend.

[Phillip · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent reproduction of Art. Supplemental explanatory text is somewhat weak and disorganized

[Laurian]

Some of the discourse was over my head in terms of art history, but I really just loved this collection, how it was curated, presented, and annotated. The book is a gem.