AMY SHERALD
b. 1973, United StatesAmy Sherald is a celebrated contemporary American artist renowned for her transformative approach to portraiture. She gained international acclaim in 2018 with her iconic portrait of former First Lady Michelle Obama, commissioned by the Smithsonian National Portrait Gallery.
Sherald's work redefines traditional representations of Black Americans in art, using her signature grisaille technique to render skin tones in grayscale, juxtaposed with vibrant clothing and pastel backgrounds. This stylistic choice evokes historical photography while challenging racial stereotypes and fostering a sense of timelessness
Early Life and Education
Born in Columbus, Georgia, in 1973, Sherald displayed an early passion for art. She earned her BFA from Clark Atlanta University in 1997 and completed her MFA at the Maryland Institute College of Art in 2004. Her time in Baltimore marked a pivotal shift in her artistic focus, moving from autobiographical themes to addressing the underrepresentation of Black Americans in art.
Artistic Style and Influences
Sherald's unique grisaille technique draws inspiration from W.E.B. Du Bois' photographic studies of African American families at the 1900 Paris Exposition. By dissociating race from colour, she reimagines Black identity through a lens of universality and individuality. Her compositions often feature ordinary individuals styled with surreal elements, creating narratives that blend realism with magical realism.
In 2016, Sherald became the first woman to win the Outwin Boochever Portrait Competition with Miss Everything (Unsuppressed Deliverance) (2014). Inspired by Alice in Wonderland, this work addresses notions of self-presentation and challenges racial stereotypes. The prize led to her commission for Michelle Obama's portrait, unveiled in 2018. The painting features a dress pattern referencing African American quilting traditions and Piet Mondrian's modernist abstractions. Alongside Kehinde Wiley's portrait of Barack Obama, Sherald's work significantly increased attendance at the National Portrait Gallery.
Sherald's solo exhibition the heart of the matter... at Hauser & Wirth (2019) showcased portraits of young Black Americans drawn from photographs she took of anonymous individuals. Works like the girl next door (2019) and If you surrendered to the air, you could ride it (2019) reflect themes of representation and African Americans' contributions to American history.
Sherald's Miss Everything was part of The Outwin 2016: American Portraiture Today, a traveling exhibition that began at the National Portrait Gallery and toured nationally. Her painting The Bathers (2015) sold for $4.2 million at auction in 2020, far exceeding its presale estimate.
Amy Sherald Exhibitions
- Amy Sherald: American Sublime: Opened at SFMoMA (2024) and traveled to the Whitney Museum of American Art (2025), marking her debut solo museum show in New York. Featuring nearly 50 works spanning her career, including portraits of Michelle Obama and Breonna Taylor, this exhibition will later travel to the Smithsonian National Portrait Gallery in Washington, D.C.
- Amy Sherald, Contemporary Art Museum St. Louis, Missouri, and Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, Arkansas (2018).
- Amy Sherald, moniquemeloche LES, New York (2017) – Note: This venue is a gallery rather than a museum.
- Off The Chain: American Art Unfettered, Second Street Gallery, Charlottesville, Virginia (2015).
Legacy and Impact
Amy Sherald's work continues to reshape the narrative around Black identity in art history. Her portraits celebrate individuality while challenging societal perceptions, offering a more inclusive vision of American life.
FAQS
What is Amy Sherald known for?
Amy Sherald is best known for her portraiture that redefines representations of African Americans. Her use of grayscale skin tones and vibrant backgrounds creates a distinctive style that blends realism with Surrealism.
Why does Amy Sherald paint skin tones in grayscale?
Sherald uses grayscale (grisaille) to evoke historical black-and-white photography and to challenge conventional associations between race and colour. This technique emphasises individuality over preconceived notions tied to skin colour.
What are Amy Sherald's most famous works?
Her most famous works include:
- The portrait of Michelle Obama (2018), commissioned by the Smithsonian National Portrait Gallery became a cultural phenomenon, increasing attendance at the National Portrait Gallery and cementing her influence in contemporary art.
- Miss Everything (Unsuppressed Deliverance) (2014), which won the Outwin Boochever Portrait Competition. Herald became the first woman to win this prestigious award with a whimsical yet powerful commentary on self-presentation.
- Her posthumous portrait of Breonna Taylor (2020), who was killed by police officers, commissioned by Vanity Fair.
- The Bathers (2020): This work sold for $4.2 million at auction, highlighting her market impact.
Sherald draws inspiration from historical photography, Black American culture, literature by authors like Toni Morrison, and everyday people she encounters.
How does Amy Sherald choose her subjects?
Sherald photographs anonymous individuals she meets organically. She allows them to pose naturally during photoshoots, capturing their essence before translating these moments into painted portraits.
Ocula | 2025
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