Former US President Barack Obama and his wife Michelle returned to the White House on Wednesday for the unveiling of their official portraits, demonstrating a choice for a modern style.
“Barack and Michelle, welcome home,” said the current US head of state, Joe Biden, also a Democrat, before inviting the Obamas to the stage for the unveiling of the portraits.
Barack Obama expressed his satisfaction at “being back”, also praising Biden, who was his vice president, as someone who has become a “true partner and a true friend”.
The artist selected by Barack Obama to paint his official portrait noted that the “nude” style of his works helps create a “meeting” between the person in the painting and the person looking at it.
Robert McCurdy likes to present his extras without facial expressions and standing on a white background, which is what the 44th and first black president of the United States will look like from now on.
“[Os retratos] they have plain white backgrounds, no gestures from anyone, no props because we’re here to tell the story of the person sitting across from the artist,” McCurdy said.
Barack Obama remains expressionless against a white background, while Michelle is seated on a sofa in the Red Room, wearing a pale blue formal dress.
The former first lady chose artist Sharon Sprung for her portrait.
This was Michelle Obama’s first visit to the White House since her husband’s presidency ended in January 2017, while the former head of state was there in April to help celebrate the anniversary of the landmark healthcare bill he signed. .
The portraits are unlike any other in the collection they will be added to, whether in terms of style or substance.
Obama’s painting will be on display in the White House’s Grand Foyer, the traditional display of paintings by the two most recent presidents.
Michelle Obama’s portrait will be placed along the ground floor corridor of the White House, joining Barbara Bush, Hillary Clinton and Laura Bush.
The United States Congress purchased the first painting in the collection, of George Washington.
Other portraits of presidents and first ladies often arrived at the White House as gifts.
Source: TSF
