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 The Artist: Amy Sherald

Amy Sherald is best known for her portrait of Michelle Obama (pictured below) and her painting of Breonna Taylor for the Vanity Fair magazine cover. Sherald is part of Activism in art.michelle obama portrait

https://npg.si.edu/learn/classroom-resource/michelle-obama

Amy Sherald uses a grayscale technique to paint Black people. Sherald likes to create alternative views and/or perspectives of people of color instead of thinking of "struggle" every time you see or talk about a Black person. 

This artist interests me due to the unique technique that she uses to create her artwork as well as the meaning behind each piece. The fact that Amy Sherald is trying to change the perspective people have on Black lives and only being known for "struggling through life" or  "having a hard or difficult life" is amazing to me. Her artwork is very unique and speaks volumes. Sherald knows that there are not many Black women in art like her, and she strives to be a great role model for young women of color. She had explained that she wishes she had someone like her in her life to look up to and so she hopes to be that for someone. 

Another piece of hers that I really enjoyed was her painting of Breonna Taylor. (pictured below)Image may contain Sitting Human Person Clothing Apparel Furniture Pants and Chair

https://www.vanityfair.com/culture/2020/08/amy-sherald-on-making-breonna-taylors-cover-portrait

This piece was Amy's first commissioned work. This painting was oil-on-linen. Amy had said that she is drawn toward people who are hard workers, daughters, sisters, etc., she said that this portrait will keep Breonna alive forever. 

Amy explained that normally she takes a picture of the person that she is going to create a piece of art on, but obviously was not able to do this with Breonna which would be challenging for her. She wanted everyone to know Breonna's story and know how much she had done as a frontline worker and her life in general. She placed Breonna's hand on her hip in order to show she was a strong woman.

I enjoyed this piece the most due to the story and meaning behind it but also the small details of which Amy Sherald had explained. In the photo Breonna is wearing a necklace of which has a gold cross and then on her hand she has the engagement ring that she never will get to wear. Amy also shared that the painting was for Vanity Fair but mainly she did it for Breonna's family and for her and her story to continue to live on. 

This type of artwork is what I enjoy most. Ones that have a clear meaning that is easily understood and comprehended to those with no prior art knowledge. This is something that we can all easily somewhat relate to or understand and that is why I chose to write about Amy Sherald and her pieces. 


https://www.thezoereport.com/culture/artist-activism-instagram-accounts

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