Recently, the former president and first-lady unveiled their portraits that would be added to a collection of presidential portraits in the Museum of Fine Arts. Both of the portrait’s African American artists, Kehinde Wiley and Amy Sherald, were chosen by Mr. and Mrs. Obama.
These portraits serve as symbols in many ways. For example, the bright flowers allude to Barrack Obama’s background;
“African blue lilies, a nod to his father’s birthplace of Kenya; jasmine, which represents Obama’s birthplace of Hawaii; and Chicago’s official flower, chrysanthemums” (Boston Globe).
These symbols help artistically illustrate different aspects of history while fostering a sense of African American, Chicagoan, and Hawaiin pride. By physically showing where his identity, it allows for a greater appreciation, especially by those who come from similar roots. Overall, pieces of art like these are immeasurably impactful as they touch different people in different ways.