The Obama’s Are Coming To A City Near You, Kind Of
America’s most popular power couple, the Obama’s are going on tour. Kind of. People living in or visiting five select US cities will get a chance to take in the Obama’s effervescent national portraits starting next year. The portraits, painted by African-American artists Kehinde Wiley, and Amy Sherald are hitting the road for a year-long museum tour. By the way, they are also the first official White House portraits painted by Black Artists.
“Since the unveiling of these two portraits of the Obama’s, the Portrait Gallery has experienced a record number of visitors, not only to view these works in person, but to be part of the communal experience of a particular moment in time,” Kim Sajet, director of the National Portrait Gallery, said in a statement.
The first stop for the two pieces will be in the couples former hometown of Chicago, at the city’s Art Institute.
“We’re a history museum and an art museum, and they are really great representations of both. This tour is an opportunity for audiences in different parts of the country to witness how portraiture can engage people,” added Sajet. “You can use these portraits as a portal to all sorts of conversations.”
Check the full dates below because tickets will go fast,
- Art Institute of Chicago (June 18-Aug. 15, 2021)
- Brooklyn Museum (Aug. 27-Oct. 24, 2021)
- Los Angeles County Museum of Art (Nov. 5-Jan. 2, 2022)
- High Museum of Art in Atlanta (Jan. 14-March 13, 2022)
- Museum of Fine Arts, Houston (March 25-May 30, 2022).
Eric has revolved in and out of passport controls for over 20 years. From his first archaeological field school in Belize to rural villages in Ethiopia and Buddhist temples in Laos, Eric has come smile to smile with all walks of life. A writer, photographer and entrepreneur, the LA native believes the power of connectivity and community is enriched through travel.
