Miami, Florida – Several museums have made the decision to cancel or postpone exhibitions featuring the work of acclaimed artist Kehinde Wiley in the wake of sexual assault allegations against the artist. The Pérez Art Museum in Miami, Florida, is the latest institution to suspend its planned exhibition of Wiley’s art.
The decision comes after a series of sexual assault allegations were made against the artist, prompting museums across the United States to reevaluate their relationship with Wiley’s work. The cancellation and postponement of these exhibitions have sparked a larger conversation within the art world about how institutions should handle allegations of misconduct by artists.
Wiley, known for his vibrant and powerful portraits of African American subjects, has faced a backlash following the allegations. The controversy surrounding the artist has put museums in a difficult position, forcing them to weigh the importance of showcasing Wiley’s art against the need to address the allegations against him.
Art institutions, like the Pérez Art Museum, have a responsibility to take allegations of misconduct seriously and to prioritize the safety and well-being of their staff and visitors. By canceling or postponing exhibitions of Wiley’s work, museums are taking a stand against sexual assault and sending a clear message that allegations of misconduct will not be tolerated in the art world.
The decision to cancel or postpone exhibitions of Wiley’s work reflects a larger reckoning happening in the art world and beyond, as more institutions and individuals grapple with how to address allegations of misconduct. The conversation surrounding Wiley’s art and the allegations against him is likely to continue as museums and the broader art community navigate this complex and challenging issue. By taking a stand against sexual assault, museums are sending a powerful message about the importance of holding artists accountable for their actions.