The World Stage: Africa, Lagos ~ Dakar

Kehinde Wiley is approaching superstar attention levels in the art world with his continuation of The World Stage series. Wiley’s first installment was centered around China‘s urban youth and propaganda art. This time he’s moved to Africa — Senegal and Nigeria to be specific. By setting up shop abroad Wiley lived and worked with his subjects and their surroundings. The style mimics 19th century royal portraits, and even though he is clearly channeling some Victorian art styles, the pattern has nice modern touch. The World Stage: Africa, Lagos ~ Dakar is now showing at The Studio Museum in Harlem and will continue until October 23rd. Seeing Kehinde's paintings in person (they’re huge) gives you a better understanding why he’s getting so much attention.