Wiley’s artwork depicts young men and women of color from various parts of the world. Some of these men and woman are portrayed assuming the poses of Classical European paintings of aristocrats, royalty, and noblemen. By replacing the historical figures with everyday men and women the artist brings attention to the absence of African Americans from cultural and historical events. In Wiley’s painting WILLEM VAN HEYTHUYSEN, he depicts a young black man in the same pose as the Haarlem cloth merchant, Willem van Heythuysen. Wiley's larger than life size figures are depicted in a heroic manner, as their poses suggest power and spirituality. For example, in Wiley’s painting CONSPICIOUS FRAUD SERIES #1, a young black men is portrayed wearing a dark
