Michelle and Barack's Official Portraits Unveiled

[mobeau69]

Link to tweet

[Me.]

1. He Looks Like Him

she does not...imho

[Chemisse]

15. That was my immediate impression too.

Still, they are both very nice.

[CTyankee]

23. But the artist did a good job of capturing her long, bare arms...

remember the howling from repukes about Michelle wearing sleeveless tops?

[Me.]

26. I Do

and I like the skirt but as said down thread this is supposed to be a portrait and I'm sorry the artist didn't capture Michelle because I think she's beautiful.

[Sophia4]

37. I agree with "You."

[niyad]

62. that was my thought as well. you notice that none of them scream about mel's bare arms.

[4139]

32. Looks like him in ten years...

To me it seems the artist aged him

[tblue37]

89. This. nt

[Hoyt]

2. The portraits are different from the usual, but so were the Obamas. I like them.

[Iliyah]

3. Love the portraits!

BHO in an garden of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness!

[NightWatcher]

4. Eh, I guess I'm unsophisticated. It's not my favs.

But damn, I miss those two.

[irisblue]

6. Nice nice photo of them.

[NCTraveler]

17. Great photo of them. nt.

[dalton99a]

18. +1

[ailsagirl]

24. Beautiful- perfect!

[Wwcd]

27. This one. This is who they are. Grace & kindness..

Its in their eyes , their bond & their soul.

[Sophia4]

36. I really, really like this photo.

It exudes warmth and caring -- as do the Obamas.

[bronxiteforever]

64. [phone]

[Owl]

67. Beautiful!

[smirkymonkey]

79. That is a great photo of them!

I would do anything to have them back!

[doc03]

87. Now something like this would be a beautiful portrait. But the official

portrait is awful, what on earth were they thinking. I am sorry but I think that one is beneath the dignity of a president.
I don't think some artistic statement is appropriate as an official presidential portrait.

[Cha]

92. They're such cuties.. make

me cry

[SharonClark]

5. Bad portrait of Michelle - it doesn't even look like her.

These portraits are for the National Portrait Gallery, not MOMA.

[brush]

10. It's non-traditional, as were the Obamas. I like it. Art evolves, it doesn't have to stay the same.

Both portraits are in the style of the artists' who painted them and who the Obamas chose to do their portraits.

[Bernardo de La Paz]

39. Non-traditional?!?!

Let's check it out.

Loving close family living together:
O) Check
T) Loving? Close? Living togther: not much.

Respected government institutions such as FBI, EPA & CIA:
O) Check
T) Non-traditional bashing & destruction of them.

Respect for women
O) Check
T) Sexual abuser, cheats, disbelieves women

Respect for flag & anthem
O) Check
T) Doesn't know words, sits during

Hard-working, studies hard
O) Check
T) Won't read more than 1 page, lots of rest/TV/golf in schedule

Diplomatic
O) Check
T) Definition of undiplomatic

I could go on.

[brush]

44. Ahhh...missed the point entirely. Maybe my use of "non-traditional" was too subtle.

Last edited Mon Feb 12, 2018, 02:24 PM - Edit history (1)

Try this: Non-traditional in the sense that President Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama broke the tradition of all the presidents and first ladies who came before them.

THEY ARE PEOPLE OF COLOR.

[lancelyons]

49. I agree... Michelles portrait was a let down and really doesnt look like her.

[brush]

50. The image shown here does not reflect the actual work...poor lighting

Here's a link to the ceremony. It's well work watching and may change your mind about the portraits: https://www.democraticunderground.com/100210219992

Both of the Obamas speak, as do the artists. It's well worth watching.

[tenderfoot]

51. I like it.

eom

[hlthe2b]

7. there are a lot of very good portraits (photographic and otherwise) of each...

These will never rank among my favorite.

[Hortensis]

20. Maybe not, but wait until you see them in place.

Those very different approaches to each complement each other wonderfully, and they're going to own their room.

May present a bit of a problem for the gallery, with these making other look fuddy and Republican. I've never visited and have no idea where they will be hung there.

[pnwest]

8. Nope. Very much nope on both of those

portraits - ESPECIALLY Michelle’s.

[BumRushDaShow]

11. It is her

without all the makeup that we are used to seeing her wear.

[mobeau69]

63. Agree. She captured Michelle's eyes perfectly. n/t

[brush]

47. If you listen to the revealing ceremony and the speeches of the Obamas and the artists...

your mind might be changed. It's well worth watching when you have time.

https://www.democraticunderground.com/100210219992. It's well worth watching all the way through.

[LAS14]

9. I liked the Michelle portrait better when I saw the other paintings...

...done by that artist. (See Skinner's post about the portraits). You can see that Michelle probably got what she asked for. But I would like to know more.

[spooky3]

12. I dont care for either of them. Neither resembles

The subject strongly, and the dress, while an interesting focus, distracts. The focus should be on the person. The leaves in his portrait look like spreading ivy that shortly will grow over him.

[LisaM]

57. I have very mixed feelings. I like them (especially hers) as works of art.

In fact, in that regard, I like hers much better. Will they fit in with the previous portraits or represent a change in those portraits? To some extent, that's for posterity to decide, not us. It could be like going to Versailles and seeing room after room after room of similar portraits, and then suddenly art changed, and the portraits started brimming with color and expression, and you wondered why all the earlier portraits were so grim.

[tavernier]

13. So Michelle was busy that day

but who was it that he painted instead? Not the slightest resemblance.

His is ok but he is far better looking in real life, especially with the million dollar smile.

[lunasun]

28. She painted

[Skidmore]

14. I think these portraits are perfect complements to each other,

as are the Obamas. The intricacy of the vines behind him create a tender background behind a powerful man who often goes to a well of human empathy that very few men project. The stark background behind Michelle forces a viewer to to face her power as a person sans the traditional trappings gender and power.

[LAS14]

45. Well stated! Listen to what they and their artists said in remarks. nt

[NCTraveler]

16. Really dislike the portraits.

Simply awful, IMO.

The beauty of art. Some will love them. Others, not so much.

[dalton99a]

19. Nah.

[NurseJackie]

21. Yuk! Not my cup-o-tea AT ALL!

It reminds me of things I saw at a high-school art contest that was on display at the local shopping mall.

Maybe I'm just too old and too traditional to appreciate trendy pop-art.

[cilla4progress]

22. Cmon...

These are the arrists’ Interpretation of their subject.

I’m good with that.

[Runningdawg]

25. Remember that statue

of Lucille Ball that was sooooo awful it was eventually removed? Yeah. They are that bad.

[ancianita]

29. I LOVE all their portraits. The paintings are part of African American Art styles, and

the photo gives everyone the realism they might prefer.

The world will love them, too.

[llmart]

30. Nope.

Don't like either one. They deserve something more Presidential, not these.

[Vinca]

31. I'm afraid I don't care for either painting.

While I would be able to identify President Obama from looking at the painting, I wouldn't guess who Michelle was. Maybe it's just not my genre, but they look amateurish. They deserve much, much better.

[LakeArenal]

33. If the Obamas like them...

Then I like them.

If it eats up the Republicans a bit, too... I like them even better.

[Sophia4]

34. I'd like to see the portraits with a background of the White House.

Michelle Obama exudes warmth and love. The blue background makes her look cold and unfriendly. Elegant, yes. But not warm and embracing which is what she is.

And the green background doesn't work. I understand the thinking of the artist about the flowers representing Obama's life, the places that influenced who he is. But the green color does not work for Obama in my opinion.

And Michelle Obama's face seems too narrow for me. I perceive her face as wider and her smile as this radiant warmth.

Just my opinions. I do not like to discourage artists, but I just think the backgrounds are not what they should be.

[procon]

35. Michelle is unrecognizable, maybe that's why the artist left her so flat, faded

and washed out. It's like when an artist can't quite draw hands correctly they try to hide them to cover up up their mistake.

I still don't know why the artist made the dress the focal point of the painting. It's the largest thing we see, and it's so stark that it grabs all the viewers attention. This might at well be an ad layout for a fashion designer who's trying to promote his newest collection.

[LAS14]

48. It's important to see other paintings by the artist. That's what influenced Michelle's decision.

A lot of people say "it doesn't look like her." Two things: The artist worked to get at the real Michelle, and Michelle likes it (look at other paintings by the artist). Maybe the real Michelle is a little more sober than the smiling Michelle we so love. AND the artist said she doesn't paint to represent the individual. She paints archetypes. And Michelle knew that when she picked her.

[procon]

56. The artists had one job.

The portraits are NOT about the artists! Epic Fail. The subjects, lest anyone forget, were the Obamas. Yet, in both portraits the artists were so busy inserting themselves into the painting that the Obamas appear to be an afterthought.

I'm sorry, but if the best you can do is C&P these weak paens to defend the artists, that reflects the whole problem. If the artist must be explained, interpreted and translated, then it's not art, it's a homework assignment.

[brush]

65. You're missing one huge point. The Obamas picked the artists because they liked their styles

And why would the Obamas, who both love the works, want traditional, frumpy, stiff portraits?

Here's a link to the ceremony. It's well work watching and may change your mind about the portraits: https://www.democraticunderground.com/100210219992

Both of the Obamas speak, as do the artists. It's well worth watching.

[procon]

68. They were polite. That's not an endorsement.

While they may like the artist's work, neither portrait reflects the strong examples of their other efforts.

[brush]

69. You must not have watched the Obamas' speaches on the works. They were effusive in their praise.

Last edited Mon Feb 12, 2018, 04:09 PM - Edit history (1)

They are both pleased with the works and that's what's important.

[procon]

71. Would you really expect them to say something mean? nt

[brush]

72. What is it with you? Both praised the works. These are the Obamas, not the lying trumps.

They chose the artists because they like their styles.

They say they like the works, which is what matters and I believe them.

Why would you think they were polite/lied?

The museum heads, extremely knowledgeable about art also praised the work.

I like the works also, and for what it's worth, I'm also an artist.

[procon]

75. Oh noes, really? You're an artist, too? That's amazing... no, honest,

I'm always quite impressed when someone tries to claim a sudden expertise on the topic at hand. The Internet makes people so creative!

[brush]

77. Scoff all you want, change the subject too but that doesn't make your opinions of the works...

any less uninformed.

[procon]

84. Your opinion is on a comparable plane. nt

[brush]

85. I agree. I like the portrait but it doesn't matter. What does is Pres. Obama likes it.

[writerJT]

95. You WILL like the paintings!

Your opinion doesn’t count unless you “get” the paintings!

Or something.

But seriously, I’m with you. The Obamas were gracious because that’s just how they handle things. The portraits are not good.

[cab67]

38. one of my deepest hopes

is that Lord Dampnut leaves in such disgrace that no official presidential portrait of him is painted.

[pandr32]

40. I do not like the portrait of MO

The salient feature is the dress--it should be her. Her hair, skin, and expression are flat and receding into the background as though not to compete with the dress. Michelle should be luminous and 3-D because she is of a brilliant mind and warm heart. Her clothes should just be complimentary.

[smirkymonkey]

81. I agree, the painting just doesn't do justice to her. She is a larger than life figure and

reduced to a clothing mannequin in this portrait.

[pandr32]

91. Well put.

[dlk]

41. Beautiful!

[bluestarone]

42. They could be better that's for sure BUT

if they are happy with them then i'm happy with them

[Kablooie]

43. It's not a great likeness of Barack and I wouldn't even recognize Michelle.

Barack's nose seems too big but that may be because of the extreme lighting and the fact that the artist make his face much bigger in relationship to his head than in life.
Michelle's portrait looks like a generic person, not like her at all. Her head is tiny and her face is totally overshadowed by the body design. Her face is even hard to discern because of the lack of contrast.

It seems to me that portraits should highlight the subject, not the artist.
These are totally all about the artist and not about the subjects at all.

I think they are dreadful as portraits.

[edbermac]

46. Reminds of Winston Churchill commenting on his portrait.

“The portrait is a remarkable example of modern art.”

He hated it and his widow later destroyed it. I guess if they’re pleased, okay. Not an art connoisseur but it just doesn’t do anything for me.

[Mr.Bill]

52. Look at the size of the hands on that dude!

Seriously, I like the one of Barrack, not so much the one of Michelle. Although, after reading some of the comments here, I can appreciate it a bit more than when I first saw it. It has a kind of an African American folk-art look to it.
Them being happy with it is what is important, I suppose.

[left-of-center2012]

53. What "official" portraits?

Where will these hang?
Who authorized them to make them "official"?

Can we get some more info?

[BumRushDaShow]

60. These are not the portraits that hang in the WH

They are the portraits for the National Portrait Gallery (that is part of the Smithsonian Institute). The NPG has other Presidential portraits as well. For example, these are Shrub and his wife's portraits -

[Blue_playwright]

54. Beautiful! Nt

[Abu Pepe]

55. His is awesome. Hers doesn't look anything like her nt

[doc03]

58. I liked Obama but that potrait

is just weird both of them. Sorry

[mobeau69]

59. Louvre Pyramid: The Folly that Became a Triumph

"...Then Pei unveiled his design. The international response was swift and it was brutal. Dubbed the “Battle of the Pyramid,” Pei and Mitterrand were roundly chastised, with one 1985 New York Times story rounding up the criticisms: The pyramid was “an architectural joke, an eyesore, an anachronistic intrusion of Egyptian death symbolism in the middle of Paris, and a megalomaniacal folly imposed by Mr. Mitterrand.”

In the early years of the decade-long project, Pei was publicly mocked. “When I first showed the idea to the public, I would say 90 percent were against it,” Pei recounted in a PBS documentary. “The first year and a half was really hell. I couldn’t walk the streets of Paris without people looking at me as if to say: ‘There you go again. What are you doing here? What are you doing to our great Louvre?’ ”

Today, the pyramid at the Louvre rivals the Eiffel Tower (itself a project borne amidst controversy) in defining the Parisian landscape. In honor of the Grand Louvre receiving the Twenty-Five Year Award, we spoke with two of the architects at Pei Cobb Freed who worked on the project: Ian Bader, FAIA, now a partner at the firm who had only just started his career when he began working on the project’s subterranean expansion; and Michael D. Flynn, FAIA, an expert in curtainwall design who had become a partner in 1962 and worked on the pyramid itself.

http://www.architectmagazine.com/awards/aia-honor-awards/louvre-pyramid-the-folly-that-became-a-triumph_o

See also: The Vietnam War Memorial

[OnDoutside]

61. I have to say I don't like them. If they were an Official Interpretation, fair enough, but they are

Official Portraits, or are supposed to be.

[progressoid]

66. ... I'm really impressed by all of the art critics here!

[procon]

70. Please stop... if people all had the same likes and dislikes there wouldn't even

be any art. No one is claiming to be an art critic, so why are you just skimming past the discussion and tossing out this inflammatory nonsense? Don't ever think that you're the only person who has an opinion in the face of so many others with opposing views that are no less valid, yeah?

[progressoid]

76. I didn't skim past anything.

I read the entire thread and THEN I tossed my "inflammatory nonsense" in with the rest of the inflammatory nonsense.

Regarding the validity of "so many others opposing views", I sure they were arrived with a deep understanding of the artists, the subjects' desires, the history of the visual arts, and African American art in particular.

I guess it's OK to criticize the artwork, but not criticize the critics of the artwork.

[procon]

80. Why would the opinions of strangers on the internet bother you?

Everyone has likes and dislikes. If your idea of art is poker playing dogs painted on black velvet, I'll defend your right. Thank gawd we all have different opinions or we have to call ourselves Republicans.

[progressoid]

82. Why does my opinion of the opinion of strangers on the internet bother you?

Why aren't you defending my right to have a different opinion?

[procon]

83. You do see how this makes you look, yeah? nt

[progressoid]

88. Sure,

So does that mean you are going to defend my right to express my opinion or not?

[procon]

93. Don't place too much importance on the

opinions of people on the internet and maybe you won't need to be so timid that you're pleading with strangers to defend you.

[MineralMan]

73. If the people depicted in those portraits approve of them,

then I approve of them as well. As I understand it, the artists were the choice of the subjects. I also understand that both Barack and Michelle Obama like their portraits very much.

I cant see how anything else matters, really.

I think they are unique and reflect their subjects and the artists' perception of them well.

Other than that -

[Princess Turandot]

74. President Obama's painting is for the Nat'l Portrait Gallery's Hall of Presidents..

I believe that the 'official' portrait of the Presidents are the ones in the White House.

The ones in the NPG are not necessarily 'formal' looking. For example, JFK's was done by Elaine de Kooning: it's not the portrait best known of him with his arms folded, lost in thought, which is in the White House.



As to these, I like the one of PBO. I don't like the one of Michelle. The ashen/neutral skin color is the artist's signature style though, so she got what she wanted, I guess.

I don't know when any White House portraits will be done/installed. (The GW/Laura Bush ones were unveiled in 2012, in an event hosted by the Obamas.)

[JI7]

96. hopefully whenever it happens Trump will be gone

[samnsara]

78. i loved the paintings!

[Poiuyt]

86. They look like they were painted by George W Bush

[doc03]

90. I agree nt

[Skittles]

99. I wouldn't go THAT far

I don't think they're very good though - just LOUD

[Skittles]

94. I don't like them

his is hideous, and hers does not look like her

[mnmoderatedem]

97. can't wait to see the trump portrait

with the orange prison garb to match his face color.

[musicblind]

98. I love Obama but I'm not in love with his portrait here.

The background looks like it is about to devour him.

Michelle's portrait, on the other hand, is beautiful to me.

I guess it is true what they say about opinions.

In the end, all that matters is that the Obama's are happy with the finished product.

[beaglelover]

100. I like these portraits. They are a different style than the usual and that's a good thing.

The mouth breathers apparently believe there is something wrong with Obama's fingers....

Link to tweet

/photo/1?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.discussionist.com%2F10151623819

[madaboutharry]

101. I love both paintings.

I think they are beautiful.

[Mike Nelson]

102. I did not...

...like the portraits at the unveiling. The do look a little better above.

[mainstreetonce]

103. I would love to see a portrait of Michelle

By the artist who did Barack.

I think that would be beautiful.

[BittyJenkins]

104. I think they are historical and a reflection

of Jacob Lawrence’s work. He was an amazing painter during and after the Harlem Renaissance.

Congratulations to the Obamas for opening the door to beautiful cultural differences! 🌻🌿🌸