Obama, a former US president, has revealed a new picture by Nigerian-born artist Njideka Akunyili Crosby; the two worked together to capture significant moments in Obama’s life and political career.
This year’s Juneteenth commemorations will mark the beginning of the artwork’s display in the “Hope and Change” foyer of the Obama Presidential Center, which Obama revealed via X on Monday. He noted that the artwork captures numerous stages of his life.
The center is planning to display Obama’s presidency and legacy in a larger show that is expected to include the painting.
In addition to being a public activity in honour of Juneteenth, a pivotal day in African American history, the exhibit serves as a symbolic addition to the institution.
“It was a pleasure to unveil our first portrait together with Njideka Akunyili Crosby, a talented artist based in Los Angeles who was born in Nigeria,” Obama wrote in his statement. Michelle and I are overjoyed that this piece, which represents many aspects of our life, will be on exhibit in the Obama Presidential Center’s Hope and Change lobby beginning on Juneteenth.