Kehinde Wiley MFA’01 is set to speak at the San Francisco Art Institute’s 2018 Commencement ceremony. SFAI’s President, Gordon Knox, said, in regards to Wiley being chosen as the speaker:
““Kehinde Wiley’s work reflects the core values of a San Francisco Art Institute education—exquisite technique delivering a complex human story. His paintings re-shape how we see and understand power and argue for a more inclusive vision of individual and collective potential. As a school, SFAI is proud to have played a part in the emergence of such a brilliant artist. We are delighted to now welcome him back to celebrate his successes and those of our graduating students, who leave SFAI set to make their own glorious marks on the world.” (SFAI)
After being celebrated for his portraiture of Barack Obama, Wiley has made national headlines. He is set to speak on May 13th, 2018 in San Francisco.