Kehinde Wiley’s painting of Barack Obama’s official portrait for the Smithsonian National Portrait Gallery made him an international star. Heroic images of black subjects is what he is well known for. In this exhibition he mixes a photorealistic portraiture with patterned backgrounds, making a reference to the floral motifs of William Morris. This is his first UK exhibition and it will be at the William Morris Gallery in E17, London.
‘The Yellow Wallpaper is a work of literary fiction that explores the contours of femininity and insanity. This exhibition seeks to use the language of the decorative to reconcile blackness, gender, and a beautiful and terrible past.’ — Kehinde Wiley
Inspired the by feminist text of Charlotte Perkins Gilman’s, The Yellow Wallpaper (1892) Wiley has painted Dalston’ women. The book explores the treatment of women through an autobiographical lens. Gilman was connected to the William Morris Gallery. In 1896 she befriended William Morris’ daughter, May Morris at a Socialist Conference in London.
This looks like it is going to be an exciting and powerful exhibition, that explores the power of London’s modern women. A review will coming soon.
When: 22 Feb 20 – 25 May 20, Tuesday – Sunday 10am – 5pm. Closed Mondays
Where: William Morris Gallery, Lloyd Park, Forest Road Walthamstow, E17 4PP | Walthamstow Central (underground)
