Amy Sherald, famous for her striking portraits of Black Americans, is about to make history. The National Portrait Gallery in Washington, DC, will host her first mid-career survey. This groundbreaking exhibition, “Amy Sherald: American Sublime,” will feature over 50 of Sherald’s paintings.
Landmark Exhibition Tours Major American Museums
“American Sublime” kicks off its journey at the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SFMOMA) on November 16, 2024. From there, it travels to the Whitney Museum of American Art in New York City. The tour culminates at the National Portrait Gallery on September 19, 2025.
This tour marks a pivotal moment in American art history. Sherald becomes the first contemporary Black artist to have a solo show at the National Portrait Gallery. The exhibition runs until February 22, 2026, allowing ample time for visitors to experience Sherald’s powerful work.
Comprehensive Showcase: From Early Works to Iconic Portraits
“American Sublime” offers a thorough look at Sherald’s artistic journey. It includes rarely seen early works from 2007, providing insight into her unique style’s development. The exhibition also features her most famous paintings, including portraits of Michelle Obama and Breonna Taylor.
Visitors will encounter new works created specifically for this exhibition. A highlight is Sherald’s first triptych, “Ecclesia (The Meeting of Inheritance and Horizons).” This piece makes its public debut at SFMOMA, adding fresh dimension to Sherald’s body of work.
Challenging American Art History Through Everyday Portraits
Sherald’s work addresses a significant gap in art history. She focuses on portraying Black figures in everyday situations. Her subjects are not racialized or politicized, but simply shown being themselves. This approach offers a fresh perspective on American life and identity.
The exhibition delves into Sherald’s artistic process. It reveals how she transforms photographs of people she meets into imaginative paintings. Her unique technique of rendering skin in shades of gray highlights race as a social construct.
Cultural Impact: Beyond the Art World
Sherald’s paintings have profoundly influenced American culture. Her portrait of Michelle Obama, in particular, has become an iconic image. It goes beyond typical portrayals of public figures, revealing a fuller, more human side of the former First Lady.
The exhibition also includes “For Love, and for Country,” a painting recently acquired by SFMOMA. This work reimagines a famous World War II photograph with two men embracing. It exemplifies Sherald’s ability to reframe historical narratives through her art.
