Kehinde Wiley: An Economy of Grace

Kehinde Wiley: An Economy of Grace is an enthralling documentary that narrates the compelling story of visual artist Kehinde Wiley. Directed by Jeff Dupre and released in 2014, the film provides an intimate window into Kehinde's unique artistic process and how his innovative African-American portraiture not only challenges traditional notions of gender and power but also stands as a beacon of contemporary art.

Casting a magnifying lens onto Wiley's boundary-pushing work, the documentary illuminates the thought-provoking interaction of race, gender, and economic disparity in the world of fine arts. Through an in-depth portrayal, the audience is exposed to Kehinde's ground-breaking vision, as the film follows his inaugural series of female portraits, a refreshing departure from his previous focus on the African-American male form.

The film introduces viewers to Wiley in his Brooklyn studio as he begins a new project, exclusively on Black women this time. Wiley, celebrated for his vibrant, large-scale paintings of African American men, expands his distinctive approach to include women, thereby confronting and redefining preconceived societal norms of beauty and status.

In An Economy of Grace, Kehinde Wiley handpicks his models from the streets of New York, collaborating with the chosen women in crafting their representation, an altogether uncommon practice in the world of portraiture. With their personally selected motifs from European paintings and American abstract artworks, the models become part of an artistic tradition hitherto inaccessible to them, thus creating an exciting engagement with art history.

The documentary also showcases the artist's collaboration with Givenchy’s then creative director, Riccardo Tisci. This powerful partnership in the film culminates in creating high-fashion wardrobes for each sitter, reflecting their individual identities and pushing the envelope for what art can mean within the fashion context.

The cinematic journey progresses with the creation of each model's portrait, culminating in the exhibition of their final portrayal. The fusion of fashion, identity, and art glorified in one medium provides an intriguing narrative throughout the documentary. Furthermore, Wiley's stunning artistry and intricate detailing in every stroke, every fabric fold, and every facial expression — all strikingly depicted — leave the viewer astonished, offering a transformative perspective on contemporary portraiture.

Moreover, the documentary gives justice to the undeniable talent that is Kehinde Wiley. Aside from his artistic prowess, the film highlights Wiley's cultural consciousness and the thought process behind his works. It provides audiences with an authentic backdrop of Wiley's mind, giving life to his works against the backdrop of their creation.

A pivotal aspect of the documentary is Wiley's eloquent and thought-provoking conversations, which enlighten the baseline of his work. These discourses fuel the narrative of the documentary, adding layers of meaning to his art. Through his eloquent dialogues, Wiley discusses his aim to subvert norms and rewrite Black identity within the context of beauty, elegance, and artistry, providing insight into his ability to transform his art into a powerful social commentary.

Chronologically, Kehinde Wiley: An Economy of Grace is a journey to Wiley's Harlem exhibition, wherein the spectacular portraits are unveiled. The on-screen journey provides viewers with a pivotal insight into Wiley's artistic progression, powerful socio-cultural statements, and trailblazing impact on painting traditions.

The documentary, through its multi-layered narrative, offers a thought-provoking reflection of society; a celebration of African-American beauty; and an examination of identity, gender, and race framed through the lens of Wiley's innovative artistry. It succinctly amalgamates a narrative of power, grace, and transformation against the ever-changing canvas of fine art.

The documentary Kehinde Wiley: An Economy of Grace is a tribute to the transformative vision of one of the finest contemporary artists of our times. It not only allows us to appreciate Kehinde Wiley's art and creative process but also invites us to participate in pertinent socio-cultural conversations that his remarkable works invoke.