Amy Sherald’s Portraits at the Whitney: A Broadway Influence

Amy Sherald’s art Sparks Dialogue on Censorship adn Representation at Whitney Event

NEW YORK, NY – A unique collaboration between artist Amy Sherald and playwright Lynn Nottage at the Whitney Museum of American Art ignited a powerful conversation about art, censorship, and the importance of visibility for marginalized communities. The event, held last night, showcased Sherald’s distinctive grayscale portraits alongside scenes from Nottage’s upcoming play, inspired by the artist’s work.

Sherald, renowned for her portraits of Black Americans rendered in grayscale with vibrantly colored clothing, explained her artistic technique stemmed from a desire to depict “somthing that looked like where I came from,” blending the extraordinary with the everyday. This approach, she hopes, resonates with audiences on a deeply personal level.The evening highlighted the long-standing connection between visual art and theater, with examples ranging from Stephen Sondheim’s musical inspired by Georges Seurat to August Wilson’s plays drawing from Romare Bearden’s prints. Thomas Kail, a director involved in the project, emphasized the potential for further cross-pollination between the two art forms, particularly within New York City’s vibrant cultural landscape.

However, the event was underscored by a recent controversy involving Sherald and the Smithsonian National Portrait Gallery. According to reports in The New York Times, sherald withdrew her solo show from the Smithsonian after museum officials considered removing her painting Trans Forming Liberty – a depiction of Black transgender artist arewà Basit as the Statue of Liberty – fearing it would provoke former President Donald Trump.

A Smithsonian spokesperson justified the potential removal, stating the painting “fundamentally strayed from the mission and spirit of our national museums,” and that the Statue of Liberty should not be used for “political expression.”

Speaking at the Whitney, Sherald powerfully responded to the incident, stating, “While institutions erase, we archive. While laws restrict, we insist on being seen.while history is rewritten,I try to write it back with my brushstrokes.” Trans Forming Liberty is currently on display at the Whitney and will remain so until Sherald’s solo show concludes on August 10th.

The event concluded with a sense of anticipation, as attendees lingered to reflect on the evening’s themes. Playwright Lynn Nottage and actress Viola davis both expressed optimism that the collaboration could inspire the next generation of American theater. “It could be right in this room,” Davis remarked, hinting at the potential for groundbreaking new work born from this artistic exchange.

How does Sherald’s use of grayscale skin tones function similarly to theatrical lighting in emphasizing form adn challenging perceptions?

The Staging of Identity: Sherald and Theatrical Portraiture

Amy Sherald’s groundbreaking portraits, currently captivating audiences at the Whitney Museum of American Art, aren’t simply paintings; they’re meticulously staged performances. A closer look reveals a distinct influence – the world of Broadway. While Sherald is celebrated for her grayscale skin tones and powerful depictions of Black Americans,the compositional techniques,the purposeful posing,and the overall mise-en-scène echo the careful construction of character and narrative found in theatrical productions. This isn’t a direct imitation, but a subtle dialogue between two art forms focused on presenting identity.

Composition as Directorial Choice

sherald’s compositions aren’t accidental. Like a director blocking a scene, she carefully positions her subjects within the frame.

Centrality & Focus: Many portraits feature subjects centrally placed, demanding immediate attention – mirroring how a lead actor commands the stage.This draws the viewer into a direct engagement with the sitter’s gaze.

Background as set Design: The backgrounds aren’t merely decorative. They function as sets, providing context and hinting at the subject’s inner life. Consider the patterned backdrops in works like Miss Everything – they aren’t random; they contribute to the overall mood and narrative. This is akin to a Broadway set designer creating an environment that amplifies the story.

Props & Costumes: The clothing and objects within the portraits act as props, revealing details about the subject’s personality, profession, or aspirations. A carefully chosen jacket, a specific pose with hands, or a particular accessory all contribute to the character being presented. Think of costume changes in a musical – each outfit tells a story.

Posing and the Performance of Self

Sherald’s subjects aren’t passively sitting for their portraits. They are performing a version of themselves, guided by Sherald’s direction.This echoes the actor’s process of embodying a character.

Deliberate Gestures: Hand placement, posture, and facial expressions are all carefully considered.These aren’t naturalistic poses; they are constructed to convey specific emotions and ideas. The slight tilt of the head, the way hands are clasped – these are all directorial choices.

The Gaze & Audience Connection: The direct gaze of many of Sherald’s subjects is particularly striking. It creates a powerful connection with the viewer, breaking the fourth wall, much like an actor addressing the audience. This invites us to contemplate not just who they are, but how they want to be seen.

Subverting Expectations: Sherald often presents her subjects in poses that challenge traditional portraiture conventions. This disruption is similar to how contemporary Broadway productions often deconstruct classic narratives.

Grayscale Skin Tones & Theatrical Lighting

The signature grayscale skin tones in Sherald’s work aren’t simply an aesthetic choice. They contribute to the sense of artifice and performance.

Removing Racial Coding: By removing traditional color cues, Sherald forces viewers to confront their own biases and assumptions. This is a powerful statement about portrayal and identity.

Highlighting Form & Texture: The grayscale palette emphasizes the form and texture of the subjects, drawing attention to the physicality of the body. This is similar to how theatrical lighting is used to sculpt the actors on stage.

creating a Dreamlike Quality: The grayscale tones create a slightly surreal, dreamlike quality, further enhancing the sense that these portraits are not simply representations of reality, but constructed performances.

Case Study: Michelle Obama – A Presidential Portrait as Performance

sherald’s official portrait of Michelle Obama exemplifies the Broadway influence. The pose, the background, and the overall composition all contribute to a carefully crafted image of strength, grace, and intelligence.

The Patterned Backdrop: The geometric pattern behind Obama isn’t arbitrary. It’s a reference to the quilts of Gee’s Bend, Alabama, a community of African American quilters whose work is celebrated for its artistry and historical significance. This adds layers of meaning and context to the portrait.

The Confident Pose: Obama’s relaxed yet confident pose conveys a sense of authority and composure. it’s a performance of presidential dignity.

**The Direct Gaze