Passing;Posing Annunciation 2005

"Passing;Posing Annunciation" is a 2005 painting by Kehinde Wiley that reimagines traditional portraiture by featuring two Black men posed against a vibrant floral background. Wiley’s work often references European art history, drawing parallels between his subjects and the figures in iconic paintings. This piece exemplifies this practice with its use of a floral backdrop reminiscent of Renaissance-era religious paintings, but instead of saints, it features two Black men in contemporary streetwear. This juxtaposition highlights the artist's commitment to challenging the historical exclusion of Black figures in Western art and reclaiming narratives of representation.