Amy Sherald, renowned 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 landmark exhibition, titled “Amy Sherald: American Sublime,” will showcase over 50 of Sherald’s paintings.
A Groundbreaking Exhibition Tours America
The exhibition begins its journey at the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SFMOMA) on November 16, 2024. It then travels to the Whitney Museum of American Art in New York City. Finally, it arrives at the National Portrait Gallery on September 19, 2025.
This tour marks a significant moment in American art history. Sherald becomes the first contemporary Black artist to have a solo show at the National Portrait Gallery. The exhibition will run until February 22, 2026, giving visitors ample time to experience Sherald’s powerful work.
From Early Works to Iconic Portraits
“American Sublime” offers a comprehensive look at Sherald’s artistic journey. It includes rarely seen early works from 2007. These pieces provide insight into the development of Sherald’s unique style. The exhibition also features her most famous paintings, including portraits of Michelle Obama and Breonna Taylor.
Visitors will see new works created specifically for this exhibition. One highlight is Sherald’s first triptych, “Ecclesia (The Meeting of Inheritance and Horizons).” This piece will make its public debut at SFMOMA.
Challenging American Art History
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 new perspective on American life and identity.
The exhibition explores 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.
Impact Beyond the Art World
Sherald’s paintings have had a profound impact on 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.
