The official portraits of former President Barack Obama and former First Lady Michelle Obama that permanently hang in the Smithsonian’s National Portrait Gallery have been traveling across the United States. The exclusive host for the works in the Southeastern region of the U.S. is Atlanta’s own High Museum, showcasing the portraits in a special exhibition on view through March 20. Artist Amy Sherald, a graduate of Clark Atlanta University, painted the iconic portrait of First Lady Michelle Obama. She joined “City Lights” host Lois Reitzes via Zoom to share her perspective on this powerful representation, unlike any White House portraiture to come before.
Interview highlights:
The distinctive style of French “grisaille” used in Sherald’s striking portrait:
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