New Obama Portrait by Nigerian-Born Artist to Feature at Presidential Center

Nigerian-born artist Njideka Akunyili Crosby has unveiled a new portrait of former US President Barack Obama and former First Lady Michelle Obama for the Obama Presidential Center in Chicago. 

The artwork, commissioned by the Obama Foundation, will be permanently displayed in the Hope and Change lobby when the centre opens on 19 June during Juneteenth celebrations. The unveiling marks a major milestone for both the Obamas and Akunyili Crosby, whose work is known for exploring personal history, cultural identity and global connections. 

Barack Obama said the portrait captures “so many chapters of Michelle and my story”, while Michelle Obama described it as “vibrant and joyful” and reflective of their shared journey. Based in Los Angeles, Akunyili Crosby is widely regarded as one of the leading contemporary artists of her generation. 

Her work combines painting, collage, drawing and photographic transfers to create layered images that examine migration, belonging and cultural identity. Using family photographs, Nigerian magazines and materials from her personal archives, she creates visual narratives that reflect the experience of living between different cultures.

Her works are held in major collections, including the Museum of Modern Art and the Whitney Museum of American Art. She has also exhibited internationally at events and institutions such as the Venice Biennale and the Istanbul Biennial. In 2017, she received the MacArthur Fellowship, often known as the “Genius Grant”, in recognition of her contributions to contemporary art.

The commission places Akunyili Crosby among a select group of artists chosen to help shape the cultural identity of the Obama Presidential Center. Beyond serving as a portrait, the work reflects the relationship between personal memory and public legacy, offering visitors an opportunity to consider the lives and achievements of America’s first Black president and first lady.

Its location in the Hope and Change lobby will make it a central feature of the centre. As preparations continue for the opening, the portrait highlights the role of art in documenting political and cultural history. By selecting an artist whose work connects different cultures and experiences, the Obama Foundation has emphasised a vision of America that is inclusive and internationally connected.