Nigerian artist Kehinde Wiley chosen to paint Obama

Nigerian media is reacting to the news that artist Kehinde Wiley has been chosen to paint the official portrait of former US President Barack Obama.

Naij.com called the move to choose the artist of Nigerian heritage "inspiring".

 

Punch describes Wiley's art as having "rich, highly saturated colour palette" adding that "his use of decorative patterns complement his realistic, yet expressive, likenesses".

 

The Smithsonian announced the decision last week.

 

The museum explained that at the end of each presidency it partners with the White House to commission one official portrait of the President and one of his spouse. 

The two portraits will be unveiled at the museum in early 2018