Kendra Kelly

There is an unexplainable joy that I feel when I’m inspired by beautiful artwork. It creates tiny cracks in my soul where streams of light pour in. THIS was my experience yesterday when I travelled to the Brooklyn Museum and witnessed the enormous beauty and powerful imagery of Kehinde Wiley’s latest exhibition entitled “The New Republic.” The brilliance – THAT light – shown through every piece of art. The honor that I felt seeing the bold and mighty imagery of Black people from around the world who are dynamic, confident and self-possessed lifted my spirit. The pride that pulsed through my veins was intoxicating. Kehinde Wiley, my friend for over ten years, had single handedly redefined and reimagined the presence and posture of Black folks through his creative eye and thoughtful mind. Kehinde’s vision is bountiful because he has redirected the cultural conversation about Black men (specifically) at a time when the media demonizes them. He has given Black women a strong and authoritative existence in a world where they are sexualized or pushed distantly into the margins. The title of this show “The New Republic” is perfect because it is the prelude to a new view and identity for the world – and ourselves.