So excited to see these gorgeous portraits released today!! President Barack Obama by Kehinde Wiley and Michelle Obama by Amy Sherald. These portraits will be on view at the National Portrait Gallery in Washington, DC. I remember when I lived in NYC, Mr. Wiley had a wonderful exhibit at Jeffrey Deitch. I think it was the first “big” exhibit of his works (I put big in quotes, because, you know the art world – artists are only big once they are shown at certain galleries in NYC). The May to June 2003 presentation was called “Faux/Real” – go HERE to view some pieces at this exhibit. I was moved by the artwork for many reasons. First off was simply viewing the painting talent of the artist with detail and humanistic portraiture. Secondly, as a person viewing the art, you could see real people being treated and exhibited in a positive and powerful way. I am excited to do some research to view more of Amy Sherald’s work.
Here is the wonderful video of the unveiling:
(Click on pix below to see the paintings better.)
