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Obama's Portraits for the National Portrait Gallery... Hmmmmmmm.

So about the portraits... They were unexpected. Much in the way that Barack Hussein Obama's presidency was unexpected. They are distinctive. They are well-crafted. They capture specific aspects of the essences of their subjects. But. They. Are. Different.

 I knew that Kehinde Wiley was NOT going to deliver a standard Oval Office tribute. Obama knew that too. That's why he picked him. Obama's likeness is stupendous. His setting is disconcerting. But that's fine. There are otherbeautiful paintings of my President. This is the one that will greet visitors to the Portrait Gallery throughout history.

 I'm a graphic design person, so Michelle Obama's likeness is growing on me. So clean, so stark. The graphic elements are stunning, the heart composed of hard lines and implied space is beautiful. She looks beautiful. Knowing that the skin tone choice is intentional helps. Again the Obamas chose their artists PURPOSEFULLY.
I think one thing I responded to unfavorably was that his seated posture somewhat diminishes his tall stature. Michelle's voluminous dress makes up for her pose, while Obama looks "compressed", especially against such a complex (and tall) backdrop.

 Side note... Can anybody tell me what Dubya's portrait looked like (without Googling). ERRYBODY is going to remember Barack Obama's portrait. Michelle Obama's too. They stand out. They are memorable. That is not lost on me.
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