Amy Sherald, the artist behind Michelle Obama's iconic 2018 National Portrait Gallery portrait, canceled her major solo exhibition "American Sublime" at the Smithsonian last month, citing censorship concerns over her painting of a transgender Statue of Liberty.


The controversy centers on "Trans Forming Liberty" (2024), which depicts a transgender woman with pink hair and a blue gown holding a torch, modeled after artist Arewà Basit. Sherald said museum representatives suggested removing the work to avoid falling afoul of President Trump's targeting of transgender communities.




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"These concerns led to discussions about removing the work from the exhibition," Sherald stated. "It's clear that institutional fear shaped by a broader climate of political hostility toward trans lives played a role." When Smithsonian Secretary Lonnie G. Bunch III proposed replacing the painting with a video featuring public reactions to transgender issues, Sherald refused, saying it would "give a platform to anti-trans views."


The cancellation represents more than an artist-institution dispute—it highlights the complex pressures facing cultural organizations in politically charged times. The show would have been "the first solo presentation of its kind by a Black contemporary artist" at the National Portrait Gallery, making its loss particularly significant.


For artists navigating similar institutional relationships, Sherald's decision demonstrates the importance of maintaining clear boundaries around artistic integrity. Her statement—**"I cannot in good conscience comply with a culture of censorship, especially when it targets vulnerable communities"**—sets a powerful precedent for artist advocacy.




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The exhibition remains on view at the Whitney Museum through August 10, where "Trans Forming Liberty" is displayed without controversy, suggesting that institutional courage varies significantly across the cultural landscape.


As artists increasingly use platforms like Cohart to maintain direct relationships with collectors and bypass traditional gatekeepers, Sherald's stance reminds us why artistic independence remains crucial in an era of institutional uncertainty.


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The celebrated painter's canceled Smithsonian show reveals the ongoing tension between artistic integrity and political pressure

When Artists Say No: Amy Sherald's Stand Against Institutional Fear

When Artists Say No: Amy Sherald's Stand Against Institutional Fear

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