Amy Sherald, Brazen Optimist

Amy Sherald, a prominent artist known for her impactful portraits, is set to showcase her work in a major exhibition at the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, opening on November 16. This exhibition marks her most comprehensive survey to date and will later travel to the Whitney Museum of American Art in New York. Sherald, who gained fame for her portrait of Michelle Obama, has a unique approach to her art, often inventing her subjects and directing them like a filmmaker. In her latest works, Sherald aims to shed the critical self she developed over the years, reconnecting with her inner child. This shift is evident in her current creations, which feature luminous figurative compositions that invite viewers into a commanding silence. The exhibition will include a triptych, her first, which consists of three panels, each depicting a single figure framed by a watchtower against a vibrant azure sky. The title of the triptych has Greek origins, meaning 'assembly,' and it draws connections to ecclesiastic architecture through the rounded tops of the panels. This thematic choice reflects deeper overtones in her work, emphasizing community and resilience. Sherald's innovative approach and the emotional depth of her subjects resonate with contemporary issues, particularly in the context of the Black Lives Matter movement. As the exhibition opens, it promises to highlight not only Sherald's artistic evolution but also her commitment to exploring themes of identity, representation, and the power of visual storytelling in today's society.