The portraits unveiled at the National Portrait Gallery will become part of the gallery’s American Presidents exhibition.
Source: Saul Loeb / AFP / Scanpix / LETA / Meduza
The author of Barack Obama’s portrait is California-born artist Kehinde Wiley. Michelle Obama’s portrait was painted by artist Amy Sherald, Meduza reports, quoting the former president as saying: “Nobody in my family tree as far as I can tell had their portrait done.” He also joked that he asked to paint his ears smaller.
Source: CNN Politics
The artworks were revealed in a private ceremony in the museum’s Robert and Arlene Kogod Courtyard as part of the Gallery’s 50th anniversary celebrations. Artists Wiley and Sherald are the first African Americans to have been commissioned for the National Portrait Gallery’s official portraits of a President or First Lady. The artworks are available for public viewing since February 13.
Source: CNN Politics
The museum’s director Kim Sajet said: “As a museum of history and art, we have learned over the past half-century that the best portraiture has the power to bring world leaders into dialogue with everyday Americans. These two paintings fall into that category, and we believe they will serve as an inspiration for generations to come.”
Video: NBC NEWS
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