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Back to Press Play with Madeleine Brand

Press Play with Madeleine Brand

The official portraits of Barack and Michelle Obama are unveiled

On Monday, Barack and Michelle Obama’s presidential portraits were unveiled from behind a large black sheet. Michelle mouthed “wow,” and Barack said, “That’s pretty sharp.”

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By Madeleine Brand • Feb 12, 2018 • 1 min read

On Monday, Barack and Michelle Obama’s presidential portraits were unveiled from behind a large black sheet. Michelle mouthed “wow,” and Barack said, “That’s pretty sharp.” Los Angeles native Kehinde Wiley painted Obama, and Baltimore artist Amy Sherald painted Michelle. They are the first black artists to be selected for the job.

Kehinde Wiley’s official portrait of Barack Obama.

Amy Sherald’s official portrait of Michelle Obama.

  • https://images.ctfassets.net/2658fe8gbo8o/AvYox6VuEgcxpd20Xo9d3/769bca4fbf97bf022190f4813812c1e2/new-default.jpg?h=250

    Madeleine Brand

    Host, 'Press Play'

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    Vice President of Talk Programming, KCRW

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    Jerry Saltz

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