A Can’t-Miss Exhibit Opens In S.F. Today!

Unless you plan on holing up inside all day, you’re bound to encounter some pink and red embellishments, lovey-dovey-ness, and over-the-top V-Day décor at some point. But the whole day doesn’t need to be reserved for Cupid arrows and mushy sentiments. In fact, if you want to spend a little quality time with yourself, we wouldn’t hold it against you. And the Contemporary Jewish Museum has a pretty fitting event for some cultural indulgence — New York-based artist Kehinde Wiley debuts a vibrant, must-see body of work today that is truly a sensory treat for your soul.

Famous for his depiction of young African American men in regal, decorative, historically influenced settings, his latest creative endeavor is part of his World Stage series that takes him abroad to India, China, Brazil, and beyond. These large-scale pieces flaunt the portraits he created while in Israel and fuse colorful, historical, Jewish-textile-influenced backgrounds with poignant portraiture.

Fun fact: Wiley actually graduated from the San Francisco Art Institute and this is his first show (and return!) to our little city since getting his degree. So, skip all the froufrou festivities today and book it to SoMa to see this electric new exhibit. The show runs through May 27, so if you can’t make it today you do have some time, although we suggest heading out the door, like, now.