Nicotiana Tabacum, 2015

Watercolor on paper Framed dimensions: 36.2 × 27.2 in | 92 × 69 cm Each hand-signed by the artist, front. Kehinde Wiley’s Nicotiana Tabacum (2015) is a delicate and precise botanical watercolor that departs from his signature large-scale portraits, showcasing his versatility as an artist. This unique work meticulously depicts the tobacco plant (Nicotiana tabacum) in three separate panels, focusing on its flowers and leaves with remarkable attention to detail. The soft gradients of pinks and greens, combined with a scientific yet poetic composition, reference traditional botanical illustrations while maintaining a contemporary elegance. Wiley, best known for his reimagining of classical portraiture, often explores themes of power, representation, and historical context. In Nicotiana Tabacum, he turns his attention to nature, subtly engaging with the plant’s deep colonial, economic, and cultural histories. The work highlights his masterful ability to merge technical precision with thematic depth, making even botanical studies a space for contemplation and narrative.