Dorothy Moss

Kim Sajet

Taína Caragol

Richard Powell

Thelma Golden

"This is the first study of the portraits Barack Obama (2018) and Michelle Obama (2018), their reception, and their significance. The book includes essays by historians examining the influence of the paintings and what they reveal about contemporary portraiture, particularly in relation to American and African American history and culture. The book also features interviews with the artists, transcripts of the remarks made by the Obamas at the unveiling, and a selection of images, including behind-the-scenes photography by Pete Souza, the official photographer for the Obamas, made during the portrait sittings"--

The Obama Portraits

Nick Gracilla

This book's four short essays, and transcription of the presentation of the portraits, helped me to better understand portraiture in general, and how revolutionary the Obama portraits are in particular. They dive deep into the history of presidential portraiture, the backgrounds and trajectories of Kehinde Wiley's and Amy Sherald's careers, and their relationships with Barack and Michelle. The essay on the impact of these portraits at the National Portrait Gallery was particularly interesting — they are shining beacons, sites of "secular pilgrimage" for many. I can't wait to see them in person myself. 

A great book for a refreshing break from the current chaos, that dives into art history, American history, and the special relationship they had with the public at large as the first Black First Family. A must read.

The Obama Portraits

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