New York City, NY – Ten years ago, Amy Sherald was a struggling artist envisioning a major museum retrospective titled “American Sublime.” This dream became a reality as the Whitney Museum of American Art in New York recently opened the first comprehensive survey of her work, following its initial showing at the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art.
Sherald’s art, centered on various perspectives of American identity, has its roots in her family’s history in the South. The artist reflects on her mother’s story, born in Mobile, Alabama in 1935, and the journey to the year 2025. Her portraits of Black individuals with shades of gray skin tones and vibrant pops of color challenge viewers to consider humanity before race.
Despite her current success, including portraits owned by notable collectors such as Anderson Cooper and Robert F. Smith, Sherald faced financial struggles working as a waitress into her mid-30s. She encourages young artists not to give up, emphasizing the importance of perseverance in the art world.
Sherald’s breakthrough came when she painted Michelle Obama at the age of 45, a commission by the National Portrait Gallery. The gallery is set to host her exhibition “American Sublime” next, despite President Trump’s call for removing what he deems “divisive, race-centered ideology” from the Smithsonian Institution.
Given the current political climate where diversity and inclusion efforts are under scrutiny, Sherald’s work takes on a renewed sense of urgency. She views each portrait as an act of resistance against erasures in American and Black histories. The artist focuses on portraying everyday Americans, showcasing a diverse range of subjects in her work with a focus on individuality and interiority.
Sherald’s art, rooted in realism with a touch of subversion, expands upon traditions set by prominent white artists such as Edward Hopper and Andrew Wyeth by incorporating narratives of Black Americans. Her work draws inspiration from artists associated with the Harlem Renaissance, emphasizing the importance of representation in art.
In her process, Sherald heavily relies on reference photographs to capture the essence of her models, emphasizing the political nature of painting Black figures. Her use of grayscale techniques aims to shift the conversation from solely focusing on race and identity to creating art that speaks to a universal audience.