Artist Amy Sherald has decided to withdraw her upcoming show at the Smithsonian’s National Portrait Gallery over fears of censorship.
Sherald, who gained wider recognition after her portrait of Michelle Obama, was set to become the first contemporary Black artist to have an exhibition at the gallery.
According to the New York Times, her show American Sublime has now been cancelled after she was told her painting of a transgender Statue of Liberty might be removed over fears of offending Donald Trump.
“I entered into this collaboration in good faith, believing that the institution shared a commitment to presenting work that reflects the full, complex truth of American life,” Sherald wrote in a letter. “Unfortunately, it has become clear that the conditions no longer support the integrity of the work as conceived.’’
In a statement obtained by the Times, she added: “It’s clear that institutional fear shaped by a broader climate of political hostility toward trans lives played a role.”
Sherald claims that talks of removing the painting were followed by the proposal of a replacement, a video of people discussing both the painting and transgender issues at large. She said this decision would have “opened up for debate the value of trans visibility” which she rejected.
A statement from the Smithsonian claimed those at the institution were “disappointed” by Sherald’s decision.
“The Smithsonian strives to foster a greater and shared understanding,” it read. “By presenting and contextualizing art, the Smithsonian aims to inspire, challenge and impact audiences in meaningful and thoughtful ways. Unfortunately, we could not come to an agreement with the artist. We remain appreciative and inspired by Ms Sherald, her artwork and commitment to portraiture.”
The show has already travelled to San Francisco and New York and the Guardian spoke to Sherald in November 2024 about the painting in question. “It ended up being the one that felt so right for this moment,” she said. “Especially after the election of Donald Trump – it’s a community that is so vulnerable.”
The Smithsonian has been under fire in recent months. While it is not a government agency, it was created by Congress and is overseen by a board that includes the US chief justice, the vice-president and three members of each chamber of Congress.
In March, Trump signed an executive order targeting the Smithsonian, claiming it had “come under the influence of a divisive, race-centered ideology” and the administration would restore it “to its rightful place as a symbol of inspiration and American greatness”.
In May, Trump tried to oust Kim Sajet, the director of its National Portrait Gallery, after claiming she was “highly partisan and a strong supporter of DEI”. While he was initially unsuccessful, she later resigned.
In 2016, Sherald and Kehinde Wiley became the first Black artists to receive presidential portrait commissions from the National Portrait Gallery. The following years have seen her sell works for up to $4.2m.
