Poets respond to Kehinde Wiley: An Archaeology of Silence @FAMSF
Poets respond to Kehinde Wiley: An Archaeology of Silence  @FAMSF
Uploaded September 2023 | Updated September 2026, 3 weeks ago
Written and directed by three young poets from diverse backgrounds, this visual poem explores themes of respect, authenticity, and curiosity. Produced in collaboration with the Oakland Youth Poet Laureate program (oaklandlibrary.org/oakland-youth-poet-laureate/) in support of the exhibition "Kehinde Wiley: An Archaeology of Silence," the video is part of a larger collection of youth-authored resources. Aiming to create a space for all youth to explore how artist Kehinde Wiley’s message connects to their lives, the materials also include a zine and art prompt in both English and Spanish. The resources slide deck is available to teachers and students here: https://famsf.art/Wiley-youth-resources and on the Oakland Public Library’s website here: oaklandlibrary.org/deyoung-exhibit

Over seven weeks the team visited the exhibition, explored how the content relates to the Bay Area, and made their own creative responses. These young poets from diverse backgrounds explored the often-difficult themes with respect, authenticity, and curiosity. These resources aim to create a space for all youth to explore how artist Kehinde Wiley’s message connects to their lives.

Learn more about the exhibition: famsf.org/exhibitions/kehinde-wiley-an-archaeology-of-silence

Watch more:
How Kehinde Wiley Is Reshaping the Monumental
youtu.be/wiQTI8Dz3j8?feature=shared
Exploring the life and work of artist Kehinde Wiley, this film takes viewers on a journey from Wiley’s upbringing in South Central Los Angeles to his ascent as one of the world’s most iconic visual artists. Featuring interviews with the artist, his twin brother Taiwo Wiley, and his close friend and fellow artist Mickalene Thomas, the film was produced in conjunction with the exhibition "An Archaeology of Silence," making its US debut at the de Young museum in March 2023.

A conversation with Kehinde Wiley
youtube.com/watch?v=tGdSGretmj0
In this conversation with Kehinde Wiley, hear about the Kehinde Wiley exhibition and the artist’s practice. Led by Claudia Schmuckli, curator in charge of contemporary art and programming, this talk explores Wiley’s new body of work that sheds light on the brutalities of American and global colonial pasts.

How Artist Lhola Amira Is Making Space for Rest
youtu.be/WpLz2rKiwrI?feature=shared
Born in Cape Town, South Africa, contemporary artist Lhola Amira responds to the wounds left by colonization across many disparate contexts to create spaces for healing through connection to the earth, the ancestral, and the spiritual.


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Poets respond to Kehinde Wiley: An Archaeology of Silence

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