Portrait Of Mickalene Thomas, The Coyote 2017

Kehinde Wiley's "Portrait of Mickalene Thomas, The Coyote" (2017) depicts the artist Mickalene Thomas standing in a lush, fantastical landscape. The work draws on the tradition of Western portraiture, yet it challenges traditional notions of representation by placing a Black woman at the center of the composition. Wiley’s signature style is evident in the meticulous detail and vibrant colors. The work's title alludes to Thomas's strength and resilience, referencing the coyote's reputation as a cunning and adaptable creature. The two wolves flanking Thomas, their eyes focused on the viewer, further suggest a sense of power and authority.