Conscientious Criminal
by Kipkemoi

The musical genius of Stevie Wonder is well-known and beloved across the world. My 4' x 3' acrylic painting is a tribute not only to the musician but to the political activism that Mr. Wonder has expressed throughout his career. My intention is to make people aware of Stevie Wonder's influence on global politics and show how the U.N. "Messenger of Peace" has used his platform to promote messages of Black pride, togetherness and love.

The painting is based on a reference photo of Stevie Wonder performing at a concert in the park in 1974. The perspective is from the back of the stage, or from the viewpoint of the drummer. It shows Stevie Wonder from behind, emphatically singing and playing his keyboard, while facing the large concert audience, which takes up most of the image. Mr. Wonder and the stage equipment are painted in black and white, and he is wearing a West African Kinte cloth shirt and has bright colored beats in his hair. The actual concert crowd has been replaced by hundreds of protestors from the 1964 March on Washington, which are painted in bright yellow and red tones. Many of the protestors are holding up picket signs. In the painting these signs depict quotes from lyrics, speeches, and interviews of Stevie Wonder over the years. All of the quotes are messages of political activism and empowerment of our people. These include support of the anti-apartheid movement and Nelson Mandela, the rally to make MLK a federal holiday, and his recent support of the BLM movement.