WASHINGTON (AP) — Former President Barack Obama and former first lady Michelle Obama have unveiled their official White House portraits in an event filled with nostalgia and humor.
President Joe Biden hosted the ceremony Wednesday at the White House, where America’s first Black president and first lady revealed portraits with a modern vibe.
Today, Barack and I went back to the White House to unveil our official portraits. It was so exciting to share Sharon Sprung and Robert McCurdy's incredible artistry with the world—and to be back in the place we called home for eight years. pic.twitter.com/YF98lihqgy
— Michelle Obama (@MichelleObama) September 8, 2022
Obama is seen standing, wearing a black suit and gray tie against a white background. Mrs. Obama wears a formal light blue dress while seated on a sofa in the Red Room.
When future generations see these portraits by Robert McCurdy and Sharon Sprung in the White House, I hope they get a better, honest sense of who Michelle and I were. And I hope they leave with a deeper understanding that if we could make it, they can do remarkable things, too. pic.twitter.com/3Eo1WNr31b
— Barack Obama (@BarackObama) September 7, 2022
Obama chose artist Robert McCurdy for his portrait. Mrs. Obama went with artist Sharon Sprung.
I want to thank Robert McCurdy for his extraordinary work on my portrait. Robert is known for his paintings of public figures, and I love how he paints people exactly the way they are. Take a look at the process behind creating the official White House portraits: pic.twitter.com/oZb6ov4uwr
— Barack Obama (@BarackObama) September 7, 2022
Sharon Sprung is a brilliant artist who joins a small, but mighty group of women who have painted an official White House portrait. Learn more about her and the process that went into making our portraits: pic.twitter.com/NVAN3G0WpV
— Michelle Obama (@MichelleObama) September 7, 2022