Artist Amy Sherald cancels Smithsonian show over censorship
Sherald, who gained wider recognition after her portrait of Michelle Obama, was set to become the first contemporary Black artist to have an exhibition at the gallery.
According to the New York Times, her show American Sublime has now been cancelled after she was told her painting of a transgender Statue of Liberty might be removed over fears of offending Donald Trump.
'I entered into this collaboration in good faith, believing that the institution shared a commitment to presenting work that reflects the full, complex truth of American life,' Sherald wrote in a letter. 'Unfortunately, it has become clear that the conditions no longer support the integrity of the work as conceived.''
In a statement obtained by the Times, she added: 'It's clear that institutional fear shaped by a broader climate of political hostility toward trans lives played a role.'
Sherald claims that talks of removing the painting were followed by the proposal of a replacement, a video of people discussing both the painting and transgender issues at large. She said this decision would have 'opened up for debate the value of trans visibility' which she rejected.
A statement from the Smithsonian claimed those at the institution were 'disappointed' by Sherald's decision.
'The Smithsonian strives to foster a greater and shared understanding,' it read. 'By presenting and contextualizing art, the Smithsonian aims to inspire, challenge and impact audiences in meaningful and thoughtful ways. Unfortunately, we could not come to an agreement with the artist. We remain appreciative and inspired by Ms Sherald, her artwork and commitment to portraiture.'
The show has already travelled to San Francisco and New York and the Guardian spoke to Sherald in November 2024 about the painting in question. 'It ended up being the one that felt so right for this moment,' she said. 'Especially after the election of Donald Trump – it's a community that is so vulnerable.'
The Smithsonian has been under fire in recent months. While it is not a government agency, it was created by Congress and is overseen by a board that includes the US chief justice, the vice-president and three members of each chamber of Congress.
In March, Trump signed an executive order targeting the Smithsonian, claiming it had 'come under the influence of a divisive, race-centered ideology' and the administration would restore it 'to its rightful place as a symbol of inspiration and American greatness'.
In May, Trump tried to oust Kim Sajet, the director of its National Portrait Gallery, after claiming she was 'highly partisan and a strong supporter of DEI'. While he was initially unsuccessful, she later resigned.
In 2016, Sherald and Kehinde Wiley became the first Black artists to receive presidential portrait commissions from the National Portrait Gallery. The following years have seen her sell works for up to $4.2m.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Independent
29 minutes ago
- The Independent
Russia kills 21 civilians in Ukraine as the Kremlin remains defiant over Trump threats
Russian glide bombs and missiles struck a Ukrainian prison and a medical facility overnight, killing at least 21 people, officials said Tuesday, as Russia kept up its bombardment of civilian areas despite U.S. President Donald Trump's threat to soon punish Russia with sanctions and tariffs unless it stops. A Russian airstrike on a prison in Ukraine's southeastern Zaporizhzhia region killed at least 17 inmates and wounded more than 80 others, officials said. In the Dnipro region, authorities reported at least four people were killed and eight injured. Trump said Monday he is giving Russian President Vladimir Putin 10 to 12 days to stop the killing in Ukraine after three years of war, moving up a 50-day deadline he had given the Russian leader two weeks ago. The move meant Trump wants peace efforts to make progress by Aug. 7-9. Trump has repeatedly rebuked Putin for talking about ending the war but continuing to bombard Ukrainian civilians. But the Kremlin hasn't changed its tactics. 'I'm disappointed in President Putin,' Trump said during a visit to Scotland. The Kremlin pushed back, however, with a top Putin lieutenant warned Trump against 'playing the ultimatum game with Russia.' 'Russia isn't Israel or even Iran,' former president Dmitry Medvedev, who is deputy head of the country's Security Council, wrote on social platform X. 'Each new ultimatum is a threat and a step towards war. Not between Russia and Ukraine, but with his own country,' Medvedev said. Since Russia's full-scale invasion of its neighbor, the Kremlin has warned Kyiv's Western backers that their involvement could end up broadening the war to NATO countries. 'Kremlin officials continue to frame Russia as in direct geopolitical confrontation with the West in order to generate domestic support for the war in Ukraine and future Russian aggression against NATO,' the Institute for the Study of War, a Washington think tank, said late Monday. The Ukrainian air force said Russia launched two Iskander-M ballistic missiles along with 37 Shahed-type strike drones and decoys at Ukraine overnight. They say 32 Shahed drones were intercepted or neutralized by Ukrainian air defenses. The Russian attack close to midnight Monday hit the Bilenkivska Correctional Facility with four guided aerial bombs, according to the State Criminal Executive Service of Ukraine. At least 42 inmates were hospitalized with serious injuries, while another 40 people, including one staff member, sustained various injuries. The strike destroyed the prison's dining hall, damaged administrative and quarantine buildings, but the perimeter fence held and no escapes were reported, authorities said. Ukrainian officials condemned the attack, saying that targeting civilian infrastructure, such as prisons, is a war crime under international conventions. In Dnipro, missiles hit the city of Kamianske, partially destroying a three-story building and damaging nearby medical facilities including a maternity hospital and a city hospital ward. Two people were killed and five were wounded, including a pregnant woman who is now in a serious condition, according to regional head Serhii Lysak. Further Russian attacks hit communities in Synelnykivskyi district with FPV drones and aerial bombs, killing at least one person and injuring two others. According to Lysak, Russian forces also targeted the community of Velykomykhailivska, killing a 75-year-old woman and injuring a 68-year-old man. ___ Follow AP's coverage of the war in Ukraine at
Scottish Sun
29 minutes ago
- Scottish Sun
Champions League winner and football royalty joined by Scotland icon at grand opening of Donald Trump's new golf course
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) PREMIER LEAGUE icons Andrei Shevhenko and Gianfranco Zola are being joined by local hero Jim Leighton in the full list of VIPs taking part at the grand opening of the new Trump international golf course this morning. As you might expect US President Donald Trump gets things under way at 10.45am - with his four ball including his son Eric - alongside two men you might know best these days from SkySports' golf commentary team, Rich Beem and Paul McGInley. 3 The scene at the new Trump North Sea Links course near Balmedie 3 US President Donald Trump reacts as he plays golf at the Trump Turnberry Credit: AFP 3 The full list of four balls at the venue this morning Irishman McGinley, of course, was also a four-time title winner on the European Tour and a winning Ryder Cup captain in 2014. They're in the first four ball of the day - then it's the turn of two heroes from football, Aberdeen Gothenburg great Jim Leighton and Liverpool star Robbie Fowler. Then at 11.12am, it's the turn of former Chelsea duo Zola and Shevchenko. The Ukrainian and the Italian are joined by Scottish golf hero Stephen Gallagher and ambassador Warren Stephens, who is the current US ambassador to the UK. Other golf stars taking part in the event include Kiwi Michael Campbell and France's Jean van de Velde, who memorably lost a three-shot lead on the last at the Open at Canoustie back in 1999, when he ended up in his bare feet in the Barry Burn. The ex-pros and the celebrities were spotted using the practice range this morning with Don't You Want Me by the Human League being played over the Tannoy. A huge saltire fluttered in the wind alongside the Star Spangled Banner - and there was a whiff of manure after a wind direction change too. Spanning hundreds of acres of rugged coastal terrain, the brand new, 18-hole links course at Trump Scotland in Aberdeenshire promises an exceptional golfing experience with dramatic views of the North Sea. Featuring the world's largest natural bunker, mountainous sand dunes, and infinity greens hugging the coastal dune ridge, the new Trump North Sea Links course at Balmedie is designed to complement the existing Trump International championship links course. While controversial politically at its birth, the Trump International has received worldwide acclaim and is ranked among the 'Top 100 Courses in the World' by Golf Digest. Donald Trump tees off at luxury Turnberry course during Scots visit Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page
Daily Mail
30 minutes ago
- Daily Mail
Britain could recognise a Palestinian state 'within months' as PM gathers Cabinet TODAY to discuss Gaza crisis after Trump criticises Israel for starving civilians
Britain could recognise a Palestinian State as early as September if a new ceasefire plan helps to end the violence and humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Sir Keir Starmer will host an urgent Cabinet meeting this afternoon as he seeks to set out a pathway to peace after a helpful intervention yesterday by Donald Trump. The president criticised Israel, saying that reports and images of starvation in the battered enclave were 'real' despite Benjamin Netanyahu 's insistence that there was none. Sir Keir shared plans he is working on with France and Germany to 'bring about a lasting peace' with Trump when they met in Scotland yesterday, Downing Street said. If there is an end to the fighting, Britain could join France in recognising a Palestinian state at the UN General Assembly in September, the Times reported. It comes as Sir Keir faces pressure, including from cabinet ministers, to take the step, despite critics saying it would reward Hamas for its October 7 attack on Israel. Asked what would come out of the meeting, Technology Secretary Peter Kyle told LBC Labour 'went into the last election with a manifesto commitment to statehood for Palestine'. 'We've always said that this needs to be part of a process. It needs to be meaningful. And I think that we also see the crisis in front of us that is so unprecedented and it is so horrific, it's reached terrible levels of deprivation in Gaza,' he added. The Prime Minister's official spokesman said: 'This week, the Prime Minister is focused on a pathway to peace to ensure immediate relief for those on the ground, and a sustainable route to a two-state solution. 'We are clear that the recognition of the Palestinian state is a matter of when, not if, but it must be one of the steps on the path to a two-state solution as part of a wider plan that delivers lasting security for both Palestinians and Israelis.' Amid international alarm over starvation in Gaza, Israel announced at the weekend that it would suspend fighting in three areas for 10 hours a day and open secure routes for aid delivery. The UK confirmed it was taking part in airdrops of aid into the territory. Aid agencies have welcomed the new measures but said they were not enough to counter the rising hunger in the Palestinian territory. Sir Keir said that the British public is 'revolted' at the scenes of desperation in Gaza as he appeared alongside Mr Trump at his Turnberry golf course on Monday. 'It's a humanitarian crisis, it's an absolute catastrophe. 'Nobody wants to see that. I think people in Britain are revolted at seeing what they're seeing on their screens, so we've got to get to that ceasefire.' The US president hinted at sticking points in US-led negotiations over a peace deal, saying Palestinian militant group Hamas had become 'very difficult to deal with' in recent weeks. He suggested this was because they only held a small remaining number of Israeli hostages. Sir Keir has likened the plan he is working on with France and Germany to the coalition of the willing, the international effort to support Ukraine towards a lasting peace. The Prime Minister's official spokesman said the plan would build 'on the collaboration to date that paves the way to a long-term solution on security in the region'. Sir Keir is meanwhile facing calls from a growing number of MPs to recognise a Palestinian state immediately. More than 250 cross-party MPs have now signed a letter calling for ministers to take the step, up from 221 on Friday. Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds on Monday dismissed the idea that there is a split at the top of Government over when to recognise a Palestinian state, saying 'we all want it to happen'. Health Secretary Wes Streeting is among those to have signalled a desire for hastened action, calling for recognition 'while there's still a state of Palestine left to recognise', while Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood said the Government wants to recognise a Palestinian state 'in contribution to a peace process'.
