Paintings and Pecans

Nut of the week: Pecans

The United States supplies around 80% of the worlds pecans. Pecan pie is a popular dessert served during the holidays.

The Chancellor Sèguier on Horseback by Kehinde Wiley opened my eyes to a different type of art. The the painting is based off a French painting titled Chancellor Séguier at the Entry of Louis XIV into Paris in 1660. It depicts Pierre Sèguier, chancellor of France in 1635, on top of a horse surrounded by many pompous individuals. Kehinde Wiley's painting shows many black men dressed in modern clothing while one individual sits atop the same horse as Pierre Sèguier. Just looking at the paintings and comparing them, we see many differences and similarities. However, the most important details are masculinity and position. Wiley is showing us the influence and power of black people in today's society.  The act of putting one on a horse, elevated above the others, is purposefully done to draw your attention away from the typical black stereotypes of oppression and violence, and instead give them a sense of privilege and prestige. He has stated that, "there is a certain desire in my work to tie the urban street and the way it's been depicted with elements that are not necessarily coded as masculine". We can see this in The Chancellor Sèguier on Horseback. The modern clothing mixed in with the pink flowers and horse give it a sense of awe that is almost indescribable. The res of Kehinde Wiley's artwork share many similar qualities. Many of his paitings depict famous black people or black people in place of where you would normally expect a white person to be. His artwork truly exemplifies black empowerment and it is truly a marvel to look at.