NEW YORK, NY.- Amy Sherald has a way of capturing attention with her art. Her work speaks quietly but powerfully, and her impact on contemporary American art is undeniable. American Sublime Check Price on Amazon, a new book published by SFMOMA in collaboration with Yale University Press, offers an in-depth look at Sherald’s career, showcasing nearly all her paintings to date. It’s a remarkable opportunity to explore her vision and skill up close.

Born in 1973, Sherald has become one of the most influential portrait artists of our time. She made history as the first African American woman to paint a presidential portrait for the Smithsonian’s National Portrait Gallery—the now-famous image of Michelle Obama. But as this book shows, her artistry and contributions go far beyond that iconic moment.

The collection includes around 50 of Sherald’s paintings, highlighting her distinctive style. Her subjects’ skin tones are painted in grayscale, while their clothing and backgrounds burst with vibrant color. This choice isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s a way to encourage viewers to see her subjects as individuals, beyond the surface.

Sherald’s paintings work on multiple levels. On one hand, they capture moments of Black joy, leisure, and daily life with extraordinary precision. On another, they delve deeper, exploring themes of identity, history, and representation in America. Her subjects, often posed in ways reminiscent of classical portraiture, convey a quiet dignity that feels timeless yet strikingly modern.

Through the essays and images in the book, it becomes clear how Sherald addresses the long-standing exclusion of Black people from traditional portraiture. She creates “American stories” that haven’t been told before in this medium. Her work challenges stereotypes and invites viewers to think differently about race and representation.

The book also traces Sherald’s artistic journey, from her early autobiographical pieces to her more recent explorations of American identity. Throughout her career, she has refined her technique without losing sight of her central themes. The Washington Post has praised her ability to use color in striking and subtle ways, a mastery that becomes even more apparent when seeing her work in this beautifully illustrated book.

Sherald herself has described her art as a reflection of Black resilience and the ability to thrive despite systemic oppression. This perspective imbues her portraits with a profound depth, turning everyday moments into powerful statements about joy, perseverance, and the richness of Black life in America.

The book’s high-quality production ensures readers can fully appreciate Sherald’s technique, from her dynamic use of color to the textures that bring her paintings to life. While it doesn’t delve deeply into her biography, its focus on her artwork serves its purpose well, providing a clear and vivid portrait of Sherald as an artist.

American Sublime is an essential addition to any collection on contemporary art, racial representation, or American identity. It celebrates an artist who is reshaping the world of portraiture, making space for new stories and perspectives. This book is both a testament to Sherald’s vision and a reminder of the transformative power of art.



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