Sleep 2008

"Sleep" (2008) by Kehinde Wiley is a large-scale oil painting that reimagines traditional Western art by portraying a black man in a pose reminiscent of classical European depictions of the deceased Christ. Wiley's work is known for its exploration of race, representation, and the subversion of traditional art historical tropes. The detailed rendering of the figure and the lush floral background create a sense of both beauty and melancholy, inviting viewers to reflect on the intersection of history, identity, and the human condition.