Let me tell you something that’s really special. On Monday, February 12, the Smithsonian in Washington D.C. hosted an unforgettable event where the official portraits of former President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama were unveiled. Now, let me tell you, this wasn’t just any unveiling—it was a celebration of art, history, and the incredible legacy of one of America’s most beloved couples. And let’s be honest, they didn’t just sit there quietly. Oh no, they stole our hearts yet again with their charm and humility.
A Momentous Day: A Celebration of Art and Legacy
When you think about it, this moment wasn’t just about portraits—it was about representation, inspiration, and the power of art to shape how we see the world. The Obamas arrived at the Smithsonian to unveil these masterpieces, and it was clear from the moment they walked in that this was more than just a ceremony. It was a celebration of who they are and what they’ve meant to so many people.
Michelle’s portrait was painted by the incredibly talented African American artist Amy Sherald, and let me tell you, Amy truly captured the essence of Michelle. Her elegance, her grace, her intelligence—it’s all right there on the canvas. And Barack? Well, he couldn’t help but gush about it during the event. “Amy, I want to thank you for so spectacularly capturing the grace, beauty, intelligence, charm, and hotness of the woman I love,” he said with a smile. Now, how can you not fall in love with that?
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Michelle’s Words: A Heartfelt Tribute
Michelle, as always, was incredibly eloquent in her response. On Instagram, she shared her thoughts with a level of sincerity that only she can muster. “As a young girl, even in my wildest dreams, I never could have imagined this moment. Nobody in my family has ever had a portrait—there are no portraits of the Robinsons or the Shields from the South Side of Chicago,” she wrote. “This is all a little bit overwhelming, especially when I think about all of the young people who will visit the National Portrait Gallery and see this, including so many young girls and young girls of color who don’t often see their images displayed in beautiful and iconic ways.”
She continued, “I am so proud to help make that kind of history. But the fact is that none of this would be possible without the extraordinary artist and woman behind this portrait, @asherald. Thank you, Amy—it was a joy to work with you and get to know you.” Her words were heartfelt, and they resonated deeply with so many who have looked up to her as a role model.
Barack’s Portrait: A Sharp and Stylish Addition
Barack’s portrait, created by the equally talented African American artist Kehinde Wiley, is nothing short of stunning. When he took the stage, he couldn’t help but crack a few jokes about the process. “How about that? That’s pretty sharp,” he said with a laugh. “I tried to negotiate less gray hair, but Kehinde’s artistic integrity wouldn’t allow it. I tried to negotiate smaller ears. Struck out on that as well.”
But beneath the humor, there was a deep sense of gratitude. “Today, @KehindeWiley and @ASherald became the first black artists to create official presidential portraits for the Smithsonian. To call this experience humbling would be an understatement,” Barack wrote in a touching Instagram post. “Thanks to Kehinde and Amy, generations of Americans—and young people from all around the world—will visit the National Portrait Gallery and see this country through a new lens. They’ll walk out of that museum with a better sense of the America we all love. Clear-eyed. Big-hearted. Inclusive and optimistic.”
