“Dedale of Power”, Portraits of African Heads of State by Kehinde Wiley

Kehinde Wiley drew inspiration from the codes of aristocratic, royal, and military portraits painted in Europe between the 17th and 19th centuries to represent contemporary African leaders. In his paintings, one can find the proud posture and piercing gaze borrowed from court portraits. However, the artist reinvents these conventions by blending them with his own instinctive and contemporary aesthetic. He thus transposes European historical traditions into a modern interpretation, reflecting cultural diversity and the current era.

But perhaps the most laughter comes from the role of the devoted nanny, with her melodious accent and infectious joie de vivre despite setbacks. Portrayed with hilariously accurate precision, this gallery of characters rooted in reality sheds valuable light on her journey and the worlds she has inhabited. Thanks to Roukiata Ouedraogo, we delightfully understand the workings of a society caught between two cultures through these vibrant figures.