Kehinde Wiley and Amy Sherald: Pioneering African American Artists in Presidential Portraiture
In 2018, history was made when the Smithsonian’s National Portrait Gallery unveiled the official portraits of President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama. The artists behind these groundbreaking works, Kehinde Wiley and Amy Sherald, were not only the first African Americans commissioned to paint presidential portraits for the gallery, but also trailblazers in redefining the genre of portraiture.
Kehinde Wiley: Reimagining Power and Representation
Kehinde Wiley, a Los Angeles-born artist, is renowned for his vibrant, large-scale portraits that fuse contemporary subjects with the grandeur of traditional European art. His work often features people of color in poses reminiscent of classical portraits, challenging historical norms and redefining notions of power and identity.
Wiley’s portrait of President Barack Obama captures the former president seated against a lush, verdant backdrop of symbolic flowers. Each bloom carries meaning: chrysanthemums for Chicago, jasmine for Hawaii, and African blue lilies as a nod to Obama’s Kenyan heritage. The painting’s bold aesthetic and rich symbolism reflect Wiley’s signature style and Obama’s own cultural narrative.
Amy Sherald: Elevating Everyday Moments
Amy Sherald, born in Columbus, Georgia, has gained acclaim for her striking portraits that celebrate Black life and individuality. Her distinctive style employs muted palettes and gray skin tones to challenge conventional approaches to racial representation, allowing her subjects’ expressions and personalities to shine.
Sherald’s portrait of First Lady Michelle Obama presents her seated gracefully in a flowing, patterned dress. The composition exudes elegance while emphasizing Michelle Obama’s role as a cultural icon and advocate for social change. The painting’s simplicity and poise highlight Sherald’s ability to capture the essence of her subject in a way that feels both timeless and contemporary.
Redefining the Canon
The selection of Wiley and Sherald marked a deliberate departure from tradition, both in the artists’ backgrounds and their approaches to portraiture. By choosing African American artists who challenge conventional aesthetics, the Obamas underscored their commitment to inclusivity and representation.
The public’s reception of these portraits has been overwhelmingly positive, with many praising their ability to blend personal narrative with artistic innovation. Wiley and Sherald’s work not only honors the Obamas but also opens doors for a more diverse range of voices in the art world.
Legacy and Impact
The portraits of Barack and Michelle Obama continue to inspire conversations about art, identity, and representation. Wiley and Sherald have set a new standard for presidential portraiture, proving that art can be both politically significant and deeply personal.
Their contributions have cemented their places in history, not only as the first African Americans to paint official presidential portraits but also as artists who reshaped how we view leadership and legacy through the lens of art.