DOWN, an exhibition of seven new paintings by Kehinde Wiley, can be seen at Deitch Projects in New York City through December 20th. These massive portraits depict young, African-American males in the classic “fallen hero” pose, recalling emblematic works by Holbein, Mantegna, and Restout (among others).

Wiley describes DOWN as “an answer to the negative views of young black men in American society. It recognizes an idiom that can be seen from a distance as a negative form transformed into somethng more fabulous and joyful. DOWN is a recognition of a type of artistic malaise that exists in current dialogue in art where joy is perceived as suspect and where absolute beauty is regarded with disdain.”

These commanding images call on us, in a timely way, to consider the spiritual dimensions of black masculinity and its relation to power.

Deitch Projects Gallery is located at 18 Wooster Street Street, New York City. The gallery is open Tuesday through Saturday 12pm - 6pm. (212) 343-7300

Interesting article on the artist by DJ Spooky (from last year)

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