Last week, an official presidential portrait of Barack and Michelle Obama was unveiled at the National Portrait Gallery. The paintings managed to stir up controversy despite them being an artistic display of the poise and sophistication that embodied Obama’s presidency. Many people, none of whom are artistically inclined, commented on the suggestively bold deviation from tradition and apparent subliminal, sexual perversion behind the paintings. The internet certainly had their fair share of laughs with the portraits by turning them into memes depicting other people in the background with Obama.
The paintings were commissioned and painted by Kehinde Wiley and Amy Sherald, two artists who are known for their vibrant styles that invoke a sense of prestige highlighting the innovative approach the Obamas took to improving America during their eight years in office. Generally, the art community responded positively to the paintings; the executive director of the Museum of Contemporary Art in Detroit even went so far as to compare Michelle Obama’s smile in the painting to that of Mona Lisa’s.
Opinionated politicians as well as critics of contemporary art thought differently, questioning the artists’ subliminal motives and the impact the paintings have on the country. Conservative political commentator Sean Hannity posted an article on his website saying that the paintings were “perverted” and featured “secret sperm,” although the article has since been pulled because the representation of the portrait Hannity was referring to has been proven to be photoshopped from a post on an online forum.
A truly terrifying concept, especially in regards to politics, is maintaining tradition solely for the sake of it being the way things have always operated. The Obamas’ choice of vibrant colors and dynamic scenery deviates from the norm of past presidents being painted in their office or at the desk in the Oval Office, which introduces the idea that tradition can, and often should, be challenged to encourage the diverse culture that the Obama’s strived to incorporate into politics, as well as society, throughout the presidency.
Despite critics attempting to invalidate their significance and vilify the artists, these presidential portraits redefine the identity and portrayal of a president. The Obamas wanted to evoke a sense of freedom and expression that can uphold the legacy of a cherished and sentimental presidency, which I feel was accomplished due to the Obamas’ vision perceptively captured by Wiley and Sherald. Contemporary art is seldom thought as an expression of presidential commemoration, but the message of deliverance exemplified by the Obama’s vision will hopefully inspire all who find importance, substance, prominence or worth that inspires them to portray themselves in the most accurately effervescent manner, so as to be remembered for their positive impact on society.