Basel Week Miami ’09: Kehinde Wiley x Michael Jackson

Stepping into the Deitch booth at Art Basel today, our attention was immediately drawn to the huge Michael Jackson painting by Kehinde Wiley. Apparently, Jackson contacted Kehinde a while back about a commission portrait after seeing his work at the Brooklyn Museum of Art, but Kehinde blew it off because he thought it was a joke. When Kehinde realized it was a real request, he sent over some art historical books to Jackson for him to look overbut unfortunately, the singer passed away before he could have a formal sitting for photos.

The painting is a homage/compilation of six works including David and Rubens and was completed by Kehinde posthumously because he felt that it was something Michael Jackson really wanted to see through but was unable to. See more detailed views after the jump as well as other Michael Jackson inspired art…