In a groundbreaking nationwide museum tour, acclaimed artist Amy Sherald is bringing her powerful portraits of Black Americans to the forefront of the art world. The exhibition, titled “Amy Sherald: American Sublime,” showcases nearly 50 of Sherald’s most captivating works, spanning her creative journey from 2007 to the present.
Celebrating Black Resilience and Joy
Sherald, who gained international recognition for her official portrait of former First Lady Michelle Obama and her poignant posthumous depiction of Breonna Taylor, has long been dedicated to representing the everyday lives of Black Americans in her art. Through her signature grisaille style, rendering her subjects’ skin in shades of gray, Sherald aims to insert Black stories into the canon of American art history.
Sublimity in Black life can be seen in our ability to persist and thrive despite historical and ongoing systemic oppression. Our experiences are marked by moments of transcendence and joy – beauty amid struggle, and that is the sublime.
– Amy Sherald
A Journey from San Francisco to New York
“American Sublime” debuts at the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SFMOMA), where it will be on display until March 9, 2025. The exhibition then travels to the Whitney Museum of American Art in New York City, opening on April 9, 2025. This cross-country journey reflects Sherald’s long-held aspiration to showcase her work at these prestigious institutions.
Imagining New Futures
Throughout her career, Sherald has meticulously crafted narratives for her subjects, drawing inspiration from social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram. By carefully selecting their attire and arranging their poses, she creates a diverse landscape of Black figures, each telling a unique story. The exhibition brings these individuals together in a powerful collective, sparking a discourse on representation and identity.
I spent a year just trying to figure out what kind of voice I would have in the art world. I developed this idea that, when I look at art history, for the most part I don’t see portraits of people that look like me. So it started there.
– Amy Sherald
Iconic Portraits and New Commissions
“American Sublime” features Sherald’s most iconic works, including her portraits of Michelle Obama and Breonna Taylor. The exhibition also unveils new commissions, such as the opening triptych “Ecclesia (The Meeting of Inheritance and Horizons)” and the closing piece “Trans Forming Liberty,” which depicts a transgender woman as the Statue of Liberty.
Championing LGBTQ+ Rights
Sherald’s commitment to representation extends beyond the Black community. The exhibition prominently features works that celebrate and support the LGBTQ+ community, such as “For Love, and for Country,” a reimagining of the iconic V-J Day kiss photograph with two Black male sailors. This piece serves as a testament to the unrecognized contributions of Black soldiers during World War II and the ongoing struggle for LGBTQ+ civil rights.
When I think about America, I think about transgender people – I wanted trans people to be a part of the conversation that I’m having.
– Amy Sherald
A Must-See Exhibition
“Amy Sherald: American Sublime” is a groundbreaking exhibition that captures the lived experiences of Black Americans while envisioning a more inclusive and equitable future. Through her striking portraits, Sherald harnesses the power of storytelling to create a body of work that is both beautiful and socially relevant.
Art enthusiasts and those passionate about social justice alike are encouraged to witness this remarkable showcase of Amy Sherald’s talent and vision. As the exhibition makes its way from San Francisco to New York, it promises to spark meaningful conversations about representation, identity, and the role of art in shaping our understanding of the American experience.
