Kehinde Wiley painting removed from US Embassy in Dominican Republic

The US Embassy in the Dominican Republic has removed the painting ‘Young Artists After Siamesas 1960’ (2013) by Kehinde Wiley. The artwork, which depicts four young Dominican men in a style reminiscent of historical portraits, was originally commissioned by the State Department during the Obama administration.

Controversy surrounds the removal, with officials citing ideological concerns. Erin Scavino, director of Art in Embassies, described the work as ‘aesthetically terrifying.’ Former US Ambassador Leah Campos previously characterized the painting as a ‘lesbian picnic,’ suggesting the Biden administration did not want such ‘ideology’ presented to the Dominican people. The painting has since been replaced by an image of the American flag.

In response to the criticism, Kehinde Wiley released a black T-shirt featuring the phrase ‘aesthetically terrifying.’ Wiley described the move as a ‘reclamation’ and a reminder that art does not require permission to be provocative or powerful.