Ena Johnson 2012

Kehinde Wiley's 2012 portrait, "Ena Johnson," depicts a Black woman standing against a vibrantly patterned background. Wiley is known for his contemporary take on traditional portraiture, often placing Black subjects in poses inspired by European Renaissance paintings. The floral background, reminiscent of a tapestry, adds a touch of opulence and connects the work to a rich artistic tradition. This work, like many of Wiley's portraits, challenges viewers to consider how race and representation are portrayed in art history.