Black History: The Light We Carry

For #BlackHistoryMonth, I wanted to share the work of three talented artists – Esther, Melarie, Rachel – who shared the art they made after reading #TheLightWeCarry. I love these! pic.twitter.com/KuFiIi5diK

— Michelle Obama (@MichelleObama) February 27, 2023

The Obama Portraits

The first time I met Amy Sherald, our connection was instant. From the way she carried herself to the art she created, I knew she was the artist to paint my portrait. Tonight, we're chatting with Thelma Golden about the #ObamaPortraitsTour at @artinstitutechi. Join us at 6pm ET!

— Michelle Obama (@MichelleObama) June 30, 2021

Happy Birthday, Breonna

Thinking of you today, Breonna. 🖤

Artwork by Amy Sherald pic.twitter.com/9KToPPG1jB

— Michelle Obama (@MichelleObama) June 5, 2021

Happy heavenly Birthday to Breonna Taylor. She would’ve turned 28 today. It’s still #JusticeforBreonnaTaylor 💕 pic.twitter.com/gyPstN8ql5

— MEFeater Magazine (@mefeater) June 5, 2021

Perspective On The World

I first picked up Toni Morrison’s novels when I was entering college, and her voice fundamentally changed my perspective on the world. This Black History Month, I reflected on the impact that her writing has had on my life. https://t.co/zSLkfkHmET pic.twitter.com/W6Yn1YYaSF

— Barack Obama (@BarackObama) February 26, 2021

The Power Of Art

During our time in the White House, Michelle and I were proud to display artwork from artists like Alma Thomas and Charles Alston—whose work provoked thought, challenged our assumptions, and shaped how we define our narrative as a country. https://t.co/eDd76kmlc1

— Barack Obama (@BarackObama) February 12, 2021

Black In Time

These students curated an exhibition last year designed to recontextualize Black History Month through art and fashion pic.twitter.com/YB0KhZhkWx

— NowThis (@nowthisnews) February 1, 2021

Patron Of The Arts

I’ve long admired the art of @josefannialbers, and I knew I wanted to include some of their pieces when we redesigned the Old Family Dining Room. I just loved seeing their work on display every day at the White House, and I know so many others did, too. https://t.co/j7OnM2rlgS

— Michelle Obama (@MichelleObama) December 11, 2020

The Real King And Queen

The real King and Queen x #WakandaForever. #BlackPanther #FanArtFriday by @Chuck_Styles pic.twitter.com/PqZSawwtrP

— Lupita Nyong'o (@Lupita_Nyongo) February 16, 2019

Queens

Champions Of The Arts

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Kelly Crow: Obamas Choose Rising Stars To Paint Their Official Portraits

The Smithsonian’s National Portrait Gallery has commissioned a pair of rising-star artists—New York’s Kehinde Wiley and Baltimore’s Amy Sherald—to paint its official portraits of the former president and first lady. Both artists have exhibited widely, but this presidential assignmentamounts to a coup as they follow in the footsteps of artists like Gilbert Stuart, whose portraits of George Washington are considered masterpieces. The Obamas also made a point to champion the arts during their time in the White House, which has heightened art-world curiosity over which artists they would choose.

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The Smithsonian confirmed Thursday that former President Barack Obama has asked to be painted by Mr. Wiley, a 40-year-old artist best known for his vivid portraits of young, black men in imperious, Old-Master poses. Ms. Sherald, a 44-year-old artist known for painting surreal portraits of elegant black women, will paint Ms. Obama. Ms. Sherald’s signature style is to use a palette of grays instead of skin tones to capture her subjects’ faces and hands. Anticipation in art circles is high because the Obamas have chosen artists with major followings. The Smithsonian’s set of presidential and first-lady portraits remains distinct from the White House’s own collection of portraits, though. Mr. Wiley and Ms. Sherald are the first black artists hired by the Smithsonian to paint a president and his first lady.

More here

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