Coming soon: Obama portraits headed to Atlanta in 2022

ATLANTA — The portraits of 44th U.S. President Barack Obama and former first lady Michelle Obama will be coming soon to Atlanta.

The Smithsonian’s two attractions are on a tour across America, traveling to five museums, in Chicago, New York, Los Angeles, Atlanta and Houston, where they will be exhibited for about two months in each locale.

The tour will bring the paintings to the High Museum of Art Jan. 14 through March 13, 2022.

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Rand Suffolk, director of the High, is deeply enthused about the arrival of the life-sized portraits.

“We try to do things that will resonate with our audience,” said Suffolk, “and it’s been remarkable, somewhat of a phenomenon, the way these two portraits have resonated with audiences since they were unveiled. They continue to captivate hundreds of thousands of visitors to the National Portrait Gallery every year.”

Amy Sherald’s six-foot-tall painting of Michelle Obama envisions the former first lady in a flowing colorful dress reminiscent of the quilts of Gee’s Bend. Barack Obama is portrayed by Los Angeles native Kehinde Wiley against a backdrop of jasmine, chrysanthemums and African blue lilies. His portrait is seven feet tall.

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Both portraits are unconventional, and break with tradition in their settings and their use of color. The monumental paintings have drawn monumental crowds.

The Obama portraits will be showcased at the museum here in Atlanta beginning Jan. 14, 2022 through March 20, 2022.

Tickets go on sale for members Oct. 11, and for non-members on Oct. 25. MORE INFORMATION HERE.

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