Amy Sherald: Celebrating Black Narratives in Art

Amy Sherald, an influential portrait artist, has gained recognition for her compelling representations of Black Americans and their intersections with U.S. history. Among her noteworthy works are the official portrait of Michelle Obama and a poignant tribute to Breonna Taylor, a victim of police brutality whose death fueled the racial justice movements of 2020. Notably, Sherald employs grisaille—a technique of using shades of gray—to portray the skin tones of her subjects, a bold choice that deepens the narrative impact of her work.

A Major Retrospective: American Sublime

The San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SFMOMA) is currently hosting a substantial survey exhibition dedicated to Sherald, titled Amy Sherald: American Sublime. This comprehensive showcase spans nearly 50 of her artworks, encompassing her career from 2007 to the present. The exhibition features iconic pieces, such as the portraits of Obama and Taylor, alongside newly commissioned works, including a striking triptych and a reimagining of the Statue of Liberty featuring a trans woman.

A Dream Realized

For Sherald, this exhibition marks the fulfillment of a long-held aspiration. In her own words, she reminisced about a time when she wrote in her journal wishing for her first major museum show to be at either SFMOMA or the Whitney Museum of American Art. “I started making work for the Whitney 10 years ago,” she stated. “And lo and behold, now it will.”

The Heart of Her Art: Everyday Black Experiences

The exhibition curator, Sarah Roberts, articulated the essence of Sherald’s artistic mission: to portray the lives and stories of everyday Black individuals that are often overlooked in both art history and popular culture. Sherald’s approach repositions Breonna Taylor as a relatable figure, the “girl next door,” captured in a serene light blue dress against a soft blue background. This intimate portrayal emphasizes Taylor’s humanity rather than her tragic fate, achieved through extensive research into her personal life and social media presence.

Innovative Methods: The Role of Social Media

Due to her medical needs—having undergone a heart transplant in 2012—Sherald adapted her art-making methods, turning to social media as a key tool for finding subjects. “I had to find different ways to find people,” she explained. “It turned out social media was the easiest way to do that.” This innovative strategy has allowed her to curate a diverse representation of Black experiences through her art.

Imagined Narratives

Aside from her portraits of Taylor and Obama, Sherald often crafts imaginative stories around her subjects, drawing inspiration from platforms like TikTok and Instagram. Her meticulous design of outfits hints at her subjects’ personalities and backgrounds, further enriching the narratives she portrays. Sherald shares, “I wanted to think very strategically about what kind of voice I would have in the art world.”

A Historical Perspective and Advocacy

The exhibition title, American Sublime, is inspired by a poetry book by Elizabeth Alexander, addressing the historical absence of Black figures in American landscapes. Sherald sees her work as part of a larger dialogue about resilience in the Black experience amidst systemic oppression, stating, “Our experiences are marked by moments of transcendence and joy—beauty amid struggle and that is the sublime.”

Intersectionality: LGBTQ+ Representation

A pivotal work in the exhibition, For Love, and for Country, captures two Black male sailors kissing, reinterpreting a famous 1945 photograph. This work acknowledges both the contributions of Black soldiers in WWII and current challenges faced by the LGBTQ+ community. Roberts noted Sherald’s commitment to representation, especially during a time of increased violence against LGBTQ+ individuals: “She was painting this work amid laws being passed and violence against the LGBTQ+ community.”

Vision for Trans Representation

Featuring the grand piece Trans Forming Liberty, Sherald reflects on her creative journey and her connection to the transgender community, inspired by a friend’s transition. Her process involved a serendipitous moment when her model adopted the pose of Lady Liberty, leading to a powerful portrayal that highlights American values and the importance of inclusivity.

Final Takeaways

The exhibition Amy Sherald: American Sublime is a profound exploration of Black experiences and future possibilities, currently on display at SFMOMA through early 2025 before moving to the Whitney Museum. As Sherald asserts, “This work is about wanting to create narratives and recognizing the power of storytelling.” The collection invites visitors to engage with themes of beauty, resilience, and the importance of representation in art.