News
Four Years Late, New Official Obama Portraits Are Unveiled
The paintings, by Robert McCurdy and Sharon Sprung, will hang in the White House.
Michelle Obama
Film
The Inspiring Story of Michelle Obama, and Its Limitations
Based on the former First Lady’s memoir, the documentary Becoming advances the Obama family’s skillfully crafted image, while unintentionally revealing some of its contradictions.
In Brief
Amy Sherald and Kehinde Wiley's Portraits of the Obamas Get a National Tour
Starting in June 2021, the official portraits of Michelle and Barack Obama will leave the Smithsonian’s National Portrait Gallery in Washington, DC to tour five cities across the country.
Film
When a Chinese Company Resurrected a Shuttered American Auto Factory
American Factory, the first film from the Obamas' production company Higher Ground, is a riveting inquiry into globalization.
News
Obama Portraits Bring Record Traffic to National Portrait Gallery
On March 24 alone, the day of the March For Our Lives, 35,968 people visited the museum.
Art
It's OK to Feel Ambivalent About Michelle Obama's Official Portrait
Too often, women of color are expected to support black artists in the abstract — sometimes at the expense of meaningful, critical dialogue.
News
Obamas Open Up About Their Newly Unveiled Official Portraits
At the unveiling this morning, Michelle Obama spoke about her "instant connection" with Amy Sherald, while Barack Obama said he asked Kehinde Wiley "to bring it down just a touch.”
In Brief
Official Obama Portraits by Kehinde Wiley and Amy Sherald Were Just Unveiled
The long-awaited portraits were presented at a ceremony today at the Smithsonian's National Portrait Gallery. The internet was quick to respond.
News
Obama's Presidential Library May Gobble Up Historic Chicago Parkland
Is it wrong to commandeer space intended for public enjoyment to bolster a political legacy?
Art
The Top 10 Art World Figures I'd Like to F***
SAN FRANCISCO — With all this extra time to daydream about the perfect relationship, I’ve composed a list of the top 10 art world figures I’d like to do the nasty with. Some are expected, some are not. Some are for social climbing purposes, some are not. But really, all are for love.