Jonaton Schimitt Barcellos 2008

Kehinde Wiley's "Jonaton Schimitt Barcellos" (2008) is a portrait painting depicting a young Black man, Jonaton Schimitt Barcellos, against a vibrant green backdrop. Wiley’s work is known for its realistic style and bold colors, and this piece is no exception, featuring a detailed depiction of Jonaton's face and clothing. The background is a striking pattern of parrots and tropical flowers, reminiscent of traditional European portraiture, but reimagined through a contemporary lens. Wiley's work often explores themes of race, identity, and representation, challenging traditional art history narratives by placing Black subjects in traditionally European settings.