Kehinde Wiley – An Economy of Grace

This short documentary follows the acclaimed painter from street to studio as he takes on female portraiture for the first time.

“Everything is political,” says artist Kehinde Wiley in this short film selected as best documentary short at the recent SXSW 2014 Awards. “If I was to paint a bowl of fruit, I would be a young black American male painting a bowl of fruit.”

Wiley is well known for his heroic portraits of African-American males painted with striking realism in a classical style. This short piece by director Jeff Dupre follows him as he branches out to depict women for the first time.

The result is a powerful depiction of black femininity in its many forms. As one of his associates in the movie says, “If you’re rolling with Kehinde, be prepared.”