1. Official Barack and Michelle Obama Portraits at the National Portrait Gallery Today, at the National Portrait Gallery in Washington, DC, artists Kehinde Wiley and Amy Sherald became the first black painters to unveil commissioned presidential portraits from and at the museum. Wiley’s portrayal of a thoughtful, sitting President Obama falls upon a pattern of vibrant foliage, typical of his style. Baltimore-based Sherald’s work features …
1. How Artists Depicted Obama’s Presidency Friday 20 January marks President Obama’s last day in office, and while plenty of presidents before (and after) him are captured by artists in different ways, his presidency was incredibly significant. The first black president has—for plenty of reasons—been an appealing muse for artists of all styles and mediums. From Shepard Fairey’s unmistakable “Hope” poster to Lisa Jack’s delightful …
Whether or not he had help from Michelle and his daughters (or maybe an intern or two), President Obama’s 2016 summer playlist is wonderful. With timeless tunes like Miles Davis’ “My Funny Valentine,” ’90s classics including Janet Jackson, a duet from Nas and Damian “Junior Gong” Marley’s collaboration album, current darlings Chance the Rapper and Courtney Barnett—this list has a song for everybody. Just another …
