The Big Reveal: First Official Joint Portrait of President and Mrs. Obama Was Made by Artist Njideka Akunyili Crosby
President and Mrs. Obama view their first joint portrait with artist Njideka Akunyili Crosby on June 14, 2026, in the Hope and Change Lobby of the Obama Presidential Center’s museum building. | Courtesy Obama Foundation DAYS BEFORE the Obama Presidential Center is scheduled to open in Chicago, Ill., the Obama Foundation unveiled the first...
New Obama Presidential Center Artist Commissions Include Lindsay Adams Painting Inspired by Langston Hughes Poem
THE AWE-INSPIRING poetry of Langston Hughes informed a floral abstract painting with a rich and varied blue background by Lindsay Adams (b. 1990). “Weary Blues” shares the title of the Harlem poet’s iconic 1925 work. The poem speaks of the transformative power of blues music. Employing his signature simple and accessible language, Hughes recalls hearing...
Uprising of the Sun: Multi-Story Window Painted by Julie Mehretu Will Greet Visitors at Forthcoming Obama Presidential Center
Rendering of “Uprising of the Sun” by Julie Mehretu – Women’s Garden View, Obama Presidential Center Museum Building. | Photo: Lamar Johnson Collaborative and Julie Mehretu Studio WHEN THE OBAMA PRESIDENTIAL CENTER opens in 2026, visitors will be greeted by the work of Julie Mehretu. Working with glass for the first time, the renowned...
Latest News in Black Art: Obama Presidential Center and Art Institute of Chicago Recognize Sculptor Richard Hunt, Arvie Smith Now Repped by Monique Meloche Gallery & More
Latest News in Black Art features news updates and developments in the world of art and related culture President Barack Obama and Chicago sculptor Richard Hunt discuss the artist’s practice and “Book Bird,” the commissioned work by Hunt that will be on view in the Library Reading Garden outside the new Chicago Public...
The Week in Black Art, March 1-7, 2021: Two Museums Will Acquire Amy Sherald’s Portrait of Breonna Taylor, Text From Obama Speech Will Grace Facade of Presidential Museum
This post will be updated with the latest news in Black art throughout the week AMY SHERALD (b. 1973), “Breonna Taylor,” 2020 (oil on linen, 137.2 x 109.2 cm / 54 x 43 inches). | © Amy Sherald. Courtesy the artist and Hauser & Wirth. Photo by Joseph Hyde March 7, 2021...
Louise Bernard Named Director of Obama Presidential Center’s Museum
THE OBAMA FOUNDATION in Chicago announced Louise Bernard will serve as the first director of the Museum of the Obama Presidential Center. Bernard, who has previously been associated with the New York Public Library, Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC), and Yale University’s Beinecke Rare Book and Manuscript Library, will...
