I think, at the L.A. County Museum of Art, I saw my first…
![“I think, at the L.A. County Museum of Art, I saw my first example of Kerry James Marshall, who had a very sort of heroic, oversized painting of black men in a barbershop. But it was painted on the same level and with the same urgency that you would see in a grand-scale [Anthony] van Dyck or…” quote by Kehinde Wiley](https://sms4smile.com/q/i/a08/kehinde-wiley-1194_art_i-think-at-the-l-a-county-museum-of-art_1563358.jpg)
“I think, at the L.A. County Museum of Art, I saw my first example of Kerry James Marshall, who had a very sort of heroic, oversized painting of black men in a barbershop. But it was painted on the same level and with the same urgency that you would see in a grand-scale [Anthony] van Dyck or [Diego] Velazquez. The composition was classically informed; the painting technique was masterful. And it was something that really inspired me because, you know, these were images of young, black men in painting on the museum walls of one of the more sanctified and sacred institutions in Los Angeles.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
The painting blends heroic, large-scale portraiture of Black men with classical techniques, equating contemporary subjects with historic masters, highlighting cultural significance and artistic mastery.
In simple terms: A modern portrait of Black men uses classic style, showing their importance.
Key Takeaway
Recognize and celebrate Black excellence in art.
Themes
art
culture
representation
history
technique
Mood
proud
inspired
reflective
Type
analytical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- museum curation
- art education
- public exhibitions
- artist inspiration
Key Concepts
portraiture
classical composition
cultural identity
Questions to Reflect On
- How does classical style affect perception of Black subjects?
- What role do museums play in redefining art history?
A Different Perspective
May overlook systemic barriers faced by Black artists despite aesthetic praise.