Category Archives: Exhibitions

Amref Honors Artist Kehinde Wiley with The Rees Visionary Award at ArtBall 2024

Kehinde Wiley by Brad Ogbonna

Celebrated African-American artist Kehinde Wiley is set to be honored with the prestigious Rees Visionary Award at this year’s ArtBall 2024, hosted by Amref Health Africa (Amref), the leading healthcare organization on the African continent. Known for his groundbreaking portraits that reimagine people of color in the classical style of Old Master paintings, Wiley has captured global attention for his iconic works, including the portrait of former U.S. President Barack Obama displayed at the National Portrait Gallery.

“Amref’s commitment to strengthening Africa’s health infrastructure is crucial and I particularly want to acknowledge their programs in Senegal and Nigeria, two countries that are of significant importance to my journey. I am grateful to be recognized with the Rees Visionary Award for my artistic practice and my founding of Black Rock Global Arts Foundation, which is on a mission to support new artistic creation and to incite change in the global discourse about what Africa means today.” – Kehinde Wiley

Advertise on The World Art News

The Rees Visionary Award, named in tribute to Amref’s founder Dr. Thomas Rees, is bestowed upon individuals who have significantly influenced the dialogue surrounding African and Black art. Wiley’s innovative approach to portraiture has not only reshaped artistic conventions but also sparked vital conversations about representation and identity.

Kehinde Wiley, The Three Graces (Coumba, Mariama, Rokhaya), 2023. © Kehinde Wiley. Courtesy of Stephen Friedman Gallery, London

“Amref Health Africa is thrilled to honor Kehinde Wiley at ArtBall 2024. ArtBall was started to not only raise funds for our healthcare work but also to celebrate the greatness of the African continent through art and culture. Every year at the event, we honor an artist with the Rees Visionary Award. The award is named after our late founder, Dr. Thomas Rees, who was a pioneering reconstructive surgeon, pilot, author, musician, and sculptor. This Award is given to artists we feel are not only changing the narrative around African and Black art, but also creating exceptional work that educates, inspires, and emboldens the viewer through these challenging times. This year, we chose to honor Wiley and celebrate “Black Presence”, aligning with his focus on reclaiming the presence of Black people: their royalty, their martyrs, and their everyday lives, in the world of fine art.” – Emily Correale, Director, Amref Health Africa

ArtBall 2024 promises an evening of artistic splendor, featuring a Contemporary African and Black art auction, live entertainment, an open bar, and a delectable fusion of cuisine. Curated by esteemed art connoisseurs Storm Ascher, Natalie Kates, Cierra Britton, Alexandra Giniger, and Nadia Nascimento, the event will showcase works generously donated by acclaimed artists.

Advertise on The World Art News

Scheduled for May 4th, 2024, in the vibrant borough of Brooklyn, ArtBall will serve as a platform to recognize Wiley’s profound contributions to the art world and his dedication to amplifying marginalized voices through his craft.

Kehinde Wiley, Portrait of Yadiel Arrozaceno Dorticós, 2023. © Kehinde Wiley. Courtesy of Sean Kelly, New York

Kehinde Wiley


Born in Los Angeles in 1977, Kehinde Wiley is an American artist renowned for his captivating portraits that juxtapose people of color within the grandeur of classical European art. His works challenge conventional narratives, offering a fresh perspective on the representation of Black and Brown individuals. Notably, Wiley made history in 2018 as the first African-American artist commissioned to paint an official U.S. Presidential portrait, chosen by President Barack Obama for the Smithsonian National Portrait Gallery.

In addition to his artistic achievements, Wiley is the founder of Black Rock Senegal, an artist-in-residence program based in Dakar, Senegal, which invites creatives from around the globe to collaborate and innovate. Recognized for his cultural contributions, Wiley has received numerous accolades, including the U.S. Department of State’s Medal of Arts and France’s Knight of the Order of Arts and Letters. He currently resides and works in Beijing, Dakar, and New York City.

Kehinde Wiley, Portrait of Mame Kéwé Aminata Lô, 2021. © Kehinde Wiley. Courtesy of Galerie Templon, Paris

Amref Health Africa


Amref Health Africa (Amref) is committed to empowering African communities by delivering accessible, sustainable, and culturally sensitive healthcare solutions. With a predominantly African staff, Amref works tirelessly to enhance healthcare access, promote preventive care, and foster community ownership over health outcomes. Over the past year alone, Amref has reached over 31 million individuals across the continent.


Also Read

Amref Honors Artist Julie Mehretu and the Power of Ethiopian Youth


Story submitted by Maximus Communications. The World Art News (WAN) is not liable for the content of this publication. All statements and views expressed herein are opinions only. Act at your own risk. No part of this publication may be reproduced without written permission. © The World Art News

The post Amref Honors Artist Kehinde Wiley with The Rees Visionary Award at ArtBall 2024 appeared first on World Art News.

30 Years of Artistic Exploration: Michael Gregorjev Murn’s Exhibition at the Iconic Miart Gallery London

Michael Gregorjev Murn

Michael Gregorjev Murn is hosting the MGM Solo Exhibition in the heart of St James’s, London. The landmark event is set to take place between May 11th and June 6th, 2024, at the iconic Miart Gallery London. Directed by Irem Deniz, Miart Gallery is renowned for its commitment to showcasing groundbreaking contemporary art, making it the perfect backdrop.

Marking a significant moment in Michael Gregorjev Murn’s career, the solo exhibition is the premiere exhibition in a series of upcoming global events. More than just another art show, it represents a journey of Michael’s mark in the art world.

The MGM Solo Exhibition has already caught the attention of many international companies, institutions, and individuals, including Murn’s long-time business partner, BTC, d. d., General Partner of MGM Exhibitions (www.btc.si). Such partnerships are essential in creating platforms where artists can share their work with a wider audience, showcasing the potential of art to influence and integrate into various sectors.

Michael Gregorjev Murn, Judas Iscariot
Acrylic and colour tape on canvas
80 cm x 80 cm

The exhibition’s spotlight shines not only on Murn’s art but also on a special monograph dedicated to his 30 years of artistic exploration. This carefully crafted monograph brings together over 350 of Murn’s artworks, offering a profound look into his diverse creations.

Michael Gregorjev Murn, Anaconda in Golden Amazonia
Gold leaf and acrylic on canvas
104.5 cm x 155 cm

Adding a unique perspective to this monograph, Richard Baker-Howard (critic, gallerist, curator) shares his observations: “Exploring Murn’s artworks is like embarking on an adventurous journey through his emotions and ideas. Each piece tells its own story, inviting us into a world where art meets the essence of life itself.”

Michael Gregorjev Murn, Grapsus Grapsus
Acrylic on canvas
100 cm x 150 cm

As president of AAMI Corporation and director of ART Expo Ljubljana, Murn also contributes significantly to bringing Slovenian art to an international audience. This connection underlines the importance of bridging art with business and highlights Slovenia’s vibrant art scene on a global scale, separate from Murn’s personal artistic journey.

Michael Gregorjev Murn, Collage, 52.5 cm x 73 cm
Huangmei opera / Emperor’s female Son-in-Law
The Great Wall Collection

Attendees of the London exhibition will be treated to an exclusive look at Murn’s thoughtfully curated selection of his finest works. Behind each piece, there is a story, a fragment of Murn’s life, interests, observations, and impressions, inviting viewers to dive into his unique artistic psyche.

This event is more than a solo exhibition; it’s a celebration of art’s power to inspire, connect, and transcend boundaries. It’s an opportunity to witness the merge of creativity and business, located in one of London’s most prestigious districts. Join us at Miart, where art and ambition meet, for an unforgettable experience that will enrich your understanding of contemporary art and its role in shaping our world.


Also Read

Dutch Artist Willem Vos to Exhibit at Contemporary Art Archive Museum in China


Story submitted by AAMI Corporation. The World Art News (WAN) is not liable for the content of this publication. All statements and views expressed herein are opinions only. Act at your own risk. No part of this publication may be reproduced without written permission. © The World Art News

The post 30 Years of Artistic Exploration: Michael Gregorjev Murn’s Exhibition at the Iconic Miart Gallery London appeared first on World Art News.