The Herring Net 2017

"The Herring Net" is a 2017 painting by Kehinde Wiley. The painting depicts two Black men in a small boat at sea, one man is pulling in a fishing net while the other looks on, the image evokes themes of labor and survival. Wiley is known for his contemporary reimagining of traditional European portraiture, often placing Black subjects in the roles of historical figures. This painting, like much of Wiley's work, challenges viewers to consider the often overlooked stories and experiences of people of color.