Weekend Pick: Amy Sherald: American Sublime at the Whitney

The Whitney Museum of American Art is set to host a groundbreaking exhibit, "Amy Sherald: American Sublime," opening on April 9, 2025. This marks Sherald’s first solo museum exhibition in New York and promises to be a transformative experience for art enthusiasts.

Sherald, celebrated for her iconic portraits of Black Americans, including the renowned painting of First Lady Michelle Obama, redefines American realism and portraiture. Her work captures everyday individuals with a unique blend of grayscale skin tones and vibrant, symbolic backdrops, inviting viewers to connect deeply with her subjects.

The exhibit will feature nearly 50 paintings spanning Sherald’s career, from her poetic early works to new pieces created specifically for this show. Highlights include her portraits of Breonna Taylor and Michelle Obama, alongside rarely seen works that explore themes of identity, history, and the complexity of American life.

This exhibit is a perfect choice for families, offering an inspiring and accessible introduction to contemporary art. Kids can marvel at Sherald’s bold use of color and relatable subjects, while parents appreciate the depth and stories behind her works. It’s an opportunity to spark meaningful conversations about history, diversity, and creativity across generations.

Don’t miss this extraordinary celebration of one of today’s most compelling artists. The exhibit runs through August 10, 2025—plan your visit to the Whitney now!

Top image:

Amy Sherald If you surrendered to the air, you could ride it, 2019 / Oil on linen/ Overall: 130x108 x 21/2 in. (330.2 x 274.3 x 6.4cm)/ Whitney Museum of American Art, New York; purchase with funds from the Painting and Sculpture Committee Purchase, Sascha S. Bauer, Jack Cayre, Nancy Carrington Crown, Nancy Poses, Laura Rapp, and Elizabeth Redleaf 2020.148 (c) Amy Sherald. Photograph by Joseph Hyde.

Second image:

Amy Sherald The Bathers, 2015 / Oil on canvas/ 74x72x2.5in. Private collection. (c) Amy Sherald. Courtesy of the artist and Hauser & Wirth. Photograph by Joseph Hyde.