Reflections on Njideka Akunyili Crosby’s Obama Commission
Days before the opening of the Obama Presidential Center in Chicago, a new portrait of former President Barack Obama and former First Lady Michelle Obama was revealed to the public.
Created by Nigerian-born artist Njideka Akunyili Crosby, the monumental work shows the couple in an intimate setting, surrounded by layers of imagery drawn from both their public and personal lives. Titled The Obamas: Springing Forth, 2026, the portrait will be displayed in the lobby of the new presidential centre, which officially opened on Juneteenth (19th June 2026).
What I find makes this portrait particularly fascinating is the amount of research and thought that went into its creation. Njideka and her studio spent time reading books, listening to interviews, podcasts, speeches and immersing themselves in their story. Speaking about the process, the artist said that she wanted the work to feel familiar to them, drawing on memories and experiences that had shaped their lives.
Michelle Obama, Njideka Akunyili Crosby and Barack Obama at the June 14th portrait unveiling at the Obama Presidential Center in Chicago. Courtesy of the Obama Foundation.
When I first saw the portrait, I was in awe!
Initially, it was the scale of the work that caught my attention. Then it was the immense detail. It wasn’t just a beautiful portrait - the longer I looked, the more I realised it was a collage of the Obamas lives.
As an artist, I found myself thinking less about the finished painting and more about the process behind it. How long it would’ve taken to create such a masterpiece. The research, planning and observation that went into it - things that are rarely taken into consideration by the viewer, yet they are often what give a piece its depth. Learning about the level of care Njideka invested in understanding the Obamas made me appreciate the work even more.
It also felt incredibly inspiring to see a Black woman artist entrusted to create such a significant piece for the world to see.
Art history has not always offered equal opportunities to artists from underrepresented backgrounds, which makes moments like this all the more meaningful. It’s one of the reasons why I paint - to show representation in an art world that shuts out, the culture, the people and the stories that should be told.
It’s deeper than a painting. It’s not just about a black woman painting the former black president - it’s a reminder of what is possible. As an artist, it filled me with so much pride, hope and motivation. It is the kind of achievement that makes you believe that dedication and persistence to your craft can eventually open doors that once seemed out of reach.
What I admire most about this portrait is that it goes beyond capturing a likeness. It tells a story. It reflects years of experiences, relationships and memories while demonstrating the power of thoughtful research and intentional storytelling.
For me, that is what elevates a work of art from something beautiful to something unforgettable.