Painter Amy Sherald has long struggled to find her place in the art world, but her latest show at the Whitney Museum of American Art marks a major breakthrough. The exhibition, which explores the notion of what it means to be American, delves into themes of identity, family roots, and social justice.
Sherald’s journey began with her own experiences growing up in the South. Her mother, born in Mobile, Alabama, survived tumultuous times to become a woman of 2025. This narrative serves as the foundation for Sherald’s concept of “American Sublime,” a title that encompasses both the beauty and terror of being raised in the South.
The artist’s large-scale portraits of Black people feature skin tones rendered in shades of gray, allowing viewers to focus on their humanity rather than their race. These works are not only owned by prominent collectors but also carry significant emotional weight, as they represent Sherald’s own struggles to make a name for herself in the art world.
At 45, when she was commissioned to paint former First Lady Michelle Obama, Sherald finally achieved breakthrough recognition. This success has been built upon by her continued exploration of themes related to diversity, equity, and inclusion. Her portraits now serve as counter-narratives to the erasure of Black American history, speaking to the rich interior lives of everyday Americans.
Curators describe Sherald’s work as “quietly subversive,” referencing imagery that challenges traditional notions of American identity. By incorporating diverse subjects into her art, she expands on the tradition of American realism, tracing her artistic lineage back to the Harlem Renaissance. Her use of grayscale technique aims to reduce emphasis on race and create a more inclusive space for all viewers.
Sherald’s message is clear: every portrait she creates is an attack against the forces that seek to erase history and identity. As the artist continues to paint Black figures, she asserts her right to express herself without fear of marginalization or reduction to identity alone. With “American Sublime,” Sherald has created a powerful statement about what it means to be American in today’s world.
Source: https://www.npr.org/2025/04/08/nx-s1-5351010/amy-sherald-american-sublime-whitney-museum