Amy Sherald’s striking portraits celebrate the richness and complexity of Black identity. Known for her use of solid pastel backdrops, Sherald draws attention to the expressions, postures, and meticulously rendered clothing of her subjects, allowing their individuality to shine. Her deeply personal and nuanced approach has earned her international acclaim—most notably from former First Lady Michelle Obama, who selected Sherald to paint her official portrait for the Smithsonian’s National Portrait Gallery in 2018. A graduate of the Maryland Institute College of Art (MFA), Sherald has exhibited in major cultural hubs such as New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Baltimore, Miami, and Dakar. Her work, now commanding millions on the secondary market, is held in prominent collections including the Nasher Museum of Art, the National Museum of Women in the Arts, the National Museum of African American History and Culture, and the U.S. Embassy in Dakar.

Amy Sherald

American

Main

Artist

Printer

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Artist Plate Project 2025 (Amy Sherald)