The American artist whom former President Barack Obama selected to paint his official White House portrait says the “stripped down” style of his works helps create an “encounter” between the person in the painting and the person looking at it.
Robert McCurdy likes to present his subjects without any facial expression and standing against a white background, which is how America’s 44th and first Black president will be seen for posterity, in a black suit and gray tie, when his portrait is finally revealed on Wednesday.
President Joe Biden and first lady Jill Biden invited Obama and former first lady Michelle Obama back to the White House to unveil their official portraits. It will be Mrs. Obama’s first visit since Obama’s presidency ended in January 2017. Obama visited in April to help celebrate the anniversary of the major health care law he signed.
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