Amy Sherald

Date of Birth: August 30, 1973

Zodiac Sign: Virgo

Biography

Amy Sherald is an American contemporary artist known for her unique approach to portraiture. Born in Columbus, Georgia, Sherald has become a significant figure in the art world for her vibrant and thought-provoking paintings that often explore themes of identity, race, and the African American experience. She earned her Bachelor of Arts degree from Clark Atlanta University and later received her Master of Fine Arts degree in Painting from Maryland Institute College of Art (MICA). Sherald gained widespread recognition when she was selected to paint the official portrait of former First Lady Michelle Obama, which was unveiled at the Smithsonian National Portrait Gallery in 2018. Her distinctive style, which features grayscale skin tones and vibrant clothing against minimalist backgrounds, challenges traditional notions of race and representation in portraiture. Throughout her career, Sherald has received numerous awards and accolades, including the National Portrait Gallery’s Outwin Boochever Portrait Competition in 2016. Her work has been exhibited in prestigious galleries and museums across the United States and internationally.

5 Interesting Facts about Amy Sherald

1. Amy Sherald was the first African American woman to win the National Portrait Gallery’s Outwin Boochever Portrait Competition in 2016.

2. She often uses grayscale for the skin tones in her portraits to de-emphasize race and focus on individuality.

3. Sherald was diagnosed with congestive heart failure in her 30s and underwent a heart transplant in 2012.

4. Her portrait of Michelle Obama has become one of the most popular pieces in the Smithsonian National Portrait Gallery.

5. Sherald’s works are part of the permanent collections of several major institutions, including the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Amy Sherald

1. “I paint American people, and I tell American stories through the paintings I create.”

2. “I aim to render my figures with a dignity that is often absent from stereotypical depictions of black people.”

3. “I’m really focused on celebrating the everyday person and making them visible in a way that’s different from the way they’re typically portrayed.”

4. “My work is about showing that blackness is infinite and that our experiences are not monolithic.”

5. “Art can be a form of activism, and it can be a form of resistance.”