Christian Martyr Tarcisius 2008

Kehinde Wiley's "Christian Martyr Tarcisius" (2008) is a contemporary take on traditional portraiture, showcasing a young black man dressed in contemporary streetwear against a vibrant floral backdrop. Wiley, known for his reinterpretations of classical Western paintings, positions his subjects as modern-day saints, evoking religious imagery while highlighting the diversity of the human experience. The painting's use of vivid color and intricate detail creates a visual dialogue between the subject's contemporary attire and the traditional floral pattern, blurring the lines between the past and the present.