Venus At Paphos 2014

"Venus At Paphos," a 2014 painting by Kehinde Wiley, is a striking portrait of a Black woman posed against a background of colorful sunflowers and foliage. This work is representative of Wiley's signature style, which utilizes the conventions of traditional European portraiture to depict contemporary Black subjects, challenging the historical dominance of white figures in art. The woman's confident gaze and the bright, intricate pattern behind her create a vibrant and visually compelling composition. This piece, like many others in Wiley's body of work, celebrates the beauty and dignity of Black individuals.