A gathering of some resources to consider regarding the new portraits of President Barack Obama, and First Lady, Michelle Obama.

In the context of 21st century portraiture, it is easily arguable to suggest one of the most photographed generations.

Questions we could consider with our students:

What is the purpose of portraiture, as painted by an artist?

How do these portraits differ from other portraits painting of Obama (like these Chuck Close portraits from 2012)?

How do they challenge the viewer to reconsider symbolism within portraiture?

How do the Obama portraits stand apart from the other presidential paintings in the Smithsonian? How are they similiar.

Please consider some of these links, which connect to information about the artists and their other work, reactions to the paintings.

https://twitter.com/nowthisnews/status/963244600830775297

http://www.verbcabin.com/kehinde-wiley-documentary

https://twitter.com/politico/status/965531424634867712

https://theglowup.theroot.com/picture-yourself-how-michelle-obama-included-us-in-her-1823123305?utm_source=theroot_twitter&utm_medium=socialflow

https://www.nbcnews.com/think/opinion/kehinde-wiley-s-obama-portrait-controversy-shows-americans-don-t-ncna849156

https://www.thecut.com/2018/02/michelle-obamas-portrait-is-for-all-of-us-black-girls.html?utm_source=tw&utm_medium=s3&utm_campaign=sharebutton-t

http://www.verbcabin.com/kehinde-wiley-documentary

https://twitter.com/ArtBioCollab/status/965671095713128450