Today, Barack and Michelle Obama contributed to shaping history once again as their portraits for the National Portrait Gallery were unveiled. Their official portraits, painted by Kehinde Wiley and Amy Sherald, were the first to be commissioned by African American artists in our country's history. These are also the first to be done in a contemporary style, compared to more traditional official portraits of the past. Wiley's work features Barack in a relaxed seated position, with no tie, engulfed in flowering botanicals that symbolize his roots. Sherald's piece features Michelle in a cascading gown that evokes the work of Mondrian as well as quilts from a community of black artists known as Gee's Bend. To read more about this poignant day in American art history, please check out the link below and let me know what you think in the comments section!
news.artnet.com/exhibitions/obama-portrait-national-portrait-gallery-1221629
11 Comments
2/13/2018 03:54:45 pm
Thanks for the post Ali, a reminder of a more dignified time. Truly inspiring art and artists too.
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Andrew L.
2/15/2018 11:45:59 pm
This is an interesting, very neutral and lighthearted article. As a side note I think the anatomy of Michelle Obama may be distorted. Maybe the photo was taken at an awkward angle. In any event these are two impressive life size, or larger portraits that definitely deserve recognition. I still would've loved to see Barack Obama painted in that Napoleonic nineteenth century style.
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Jeanne Obeji
2/18/2018 03:49:13 pm
I am so excited about these portraits. They are perfect for the Obamas and truly representative of their greatness. It is so nice to see a more contemporary take on portraiture for President Obama and the First lady Michelle.
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2/20/2018 06:13:23 pm
Yay, I am so glad you posted this article. When I first saw the painting of Obama, I was instantly so jealous of the artist. I can honestly say it is one of the most beautiful paintings I have ever seen. Everything about it is so amazing. In comparison to the previous presidential portraits the comparison is so obvious that he truly took office for change. Love it.
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4/29/2018 09:55:58 pm
I love that these portraits received so much attention and for so long! It seems like one of the biggest news stories of the art world in a long time. And for many of us, it was a little bit of brightness in a time where it feels like the news is just dominated by negativity.
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Mickaela
4/30/2018 09:06:50 am
I remember when this story first broke I like many were a bit confused but I love that! That is the point of art! It is supposed to shock us out of our stagnant state of mind. Regardless on taste I applaud the change of pace and the brave choice to change the stereotypical expectations of a presidential painting.
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chloe
5/10/2018 10:48:56 am
I love these paintings! From what I remember from high school US History, the presidential paintings are typically boring and nothing very exciting. I love how colorful these are, and they really stand out compared to their predecessors. Even as someone who doesn't go to art museums very often, these paintings make me happy and proud just like the Obamas did. Bravo!
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Lucia
5/11/2018 01:41:00 pm
I really like these portraits, they look and feel so different form any past presidential portraiture. They display a current vibe of both political and social status.
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christy
5/12/2018 10:20:08 pm
I was observing a a photography class that were learning about Kehinde Wiley during the same time when this was trending. the students saw the relevance in what they learning about portraiture in class and what is happening around them.
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This is one of my favorite art news of the year! I found it inspiring that The Obamas selected these two contemporary artists to create their presidential portraits. I also did some of my school observations in the high school where Kehinde Wiley attended and found it to be a special place.
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Aaron Brodkin
5/16/2018 01:59:23 pm
I would like to see what these artists’ portrait of Tr*mp would look like
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