Due to its success, Flourish by Kehinde Wiley has been extended until November 30 at the Van Loon Museum.

Great news for art lovers! The impressive exhibition Flourish: Kehinde Wiley x Museum Van Loon is on display in Amsterdam until November 30, 2025, due to its success. Does the name Kehinde Wiley ring a bell? She's the world-renowned artist who, among others, created portraits of Barack Obama. At Museum Van Loon, you can now view an exclusive series of portraits in this first solo exhibition in the Netherlands. What's even more special is that the artworks were created especially for this exhibition!

Kehinde Wiley at the Van Loon Museum © Thijs Wolzak

Representation on the canal

In Flourish, Kehinde Wiley reveals the power and beauty of today's world. Known for his colorful and expressive style, he places people of color within the classical painting tradition. For this series, Wiley delved into the colonial past of the Netherlands and the collection of Museum Van Loon. During his trip to Suriname, he met the people who posed for the new portraits. The result is a series of works that encourages reflection on who was visible in art history in the past and who is visible today.

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Flourish in Museum Van Loon

Why is Museum Van Loon the perfect location for this exhibition? In the period rooms where portraits of Amsterdam regents, among others, normally hang, you'll now see Wiley's contemporary works. This creates a fascinating confrontation: who was allowed to hang on the wall in the past, and who is today? It's precisely this contrast that makes a visit to Flourish not only impressive but also highly relevant.

From Obama to Amsterdam

Kehinde Wiley is, of course, a familiar name in the art world. In Amsterdam, you'll have the chance to see his work up close in a different setting. Classic poses, yet completely contemporary: that's Wiley at his best. Flourish invites you to look at the historical collection and the city today with fresh eyes. I think it's one of the most impressive exhibitions you can see in Amsterdam right now! 

Practical information Flourish 

• Where: Museum Van Loon, Keizersgracht 672, Amsterdam
• When: on view until November 30, 2025
• Tickets & more information: museumvanloon.nl

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 | YLBB TIP: Great places to eat and drink near the Museum van Loon include: Cenc, Veneur, Café Marcella, and Oocker. Enjoy! 

Kehinde Wiley in his studio © Humbert Contreras