Acclaimed portrait artist Amy Sherald makes her long-awaited solo debut in New York with American Sublime, now open at the Whitney Museum of American Art. Running through August 10, 2025, the exhibition offers a rare, sweeping look at nearly 50 of Sherald’s most captivating works, celebrating Black identity through the lens of grace, dignity, and interiority.
Renowned for her portrait of Michelle Obama and her tribute to Breonna Taylor, Sherald’s signature style blends American Realism with vibrant, minimalist palettes. Her paintings depict Black Americans in moments of calm and contemplation, inviting viewers to see not just the person—but their story.
“Sherald’s contemplative subjects appear most concerned with their own interiority,” the Whitney shared, “prioritizing their own peace and self-realization over how others might perceive them.”
A Journey Through Black Beauty and Humanity
Spanning from 2007 to today, American Sublime captures the evolution of Sherald’s artistic voice—from early work to newly unveiled pieces. Each portrait resists stereotypes, instead offering nuanced, layered depictions of everyday people presented with regal stillness and intentionality.
One of the show’s centerpieces is Four Ways of Being, a brand-new commissioned work featured on the exterior wall of the museum’s Horatio Street building, extending the exhibit’s reach beyond the gallery and into the city itself.
About Amy Sherald
Amy Sherald became a household name with her 2018 portrait of First Lady Michelle Obama, now housed at the National Portrait Gallery. Her distinctive grey-toned skin tones, vibrant backdrops, and everyday Black subjects have redefined portraiture in America—centered not in pain or protest, but in pride, humanity, and presence.
With American Sublime, Sherald continues her mission to elevate the lived experience of Black Americans with dignity, intimacy, and profound beauty.
Exhibition Info:
- Title: American Sublime by Amy Sherald
- Location: Whitney Museum of American Art, NYC
- Dates: Open now through August 10, 2025
- Tickets & Info: whitney.org
