A Historic Moment: Carmen Herrera’s Painting Acquired by the White House
A groundbreaking moment in art history has unfolded as a painting by Cuban-born artist Carmen Herrera has been added to the White House’s permanent art collection. The work, titled “Dia Feriado (Holiday)” (2011), is a striking green and orange circular geometric painting that marks the first inclusion of a Hispanic or Latine artist in the prestigious collection.
Former First Lady Jill Biden played a pivotal role in the acquisition of Herrera’s painting, which was announced by Lisson Gallery. Herrera, who passed away at the age of 106 in New York City in 2022, gained recognition later in life with her first major museum show at East Harlem’s El Museo del Barrio at the age of 83.
Kaeli Deane, senior director of Lisson Gallery and vice president of the Carmen Herrera Foundation, expressed excitement about the acquisition, stating, “We’re thrilled that Carmen’s work has been acquired by the White House Collection. I know that as a Cuban-American who lived in New York City for over six decades, Carmen would have been honored to contribute to our national legacy.”
The addition of Herrera’s painting to the White House collection comes at a critical time, as President Donald Trump has been criticized for his actions against diversity, equity, and inclusion programs in the federal government, leading to the closure of initiatives at institutions like the Smithsonian Institution and National Gallery of Art.
“Dia Feriado” is now proudly displayed in the White House’s East Wing, joining over 500 other acquisitions, including presidential portraits, in the executive mansion. This historic moment is a testament to the growing recognition of diverse voices and perspectives in the art world.
Jill Biden hailed the acquisition as “an incredible recognition of the more than seven decades she spent living and working as an artist in the United States.” Before the John F. Kennedy administration appointed the first curator for the White House Collection, new additions to the art holdings were primarily limited to Congress-commissioned or purchased portraiture.
The White House curator’s role extends beyond presidential administrations, with Donna Hayashi Smith currently holding the position. It was Smith who brought “Dia Feriado” to Jill Biden’s attention, continuing the legacy of showcasing diverse and impactful artworks in the White House.
The initiative to display Herrera’s work in the White House was championed by Henry R. Muñoz III, who serves on the board of the Smithsonian National Museum of the American Latino and SITE Santa Fe. Louis Grachos, director of SITE Santa Fe, praised Herrera’s geometric works for their contribution to modernist principles and values in contemporary art.
Henry R. Muñoz III emphasized the significance of Herrera’s inclusion in the White House collection, stating, “It has long been a dream of the Latino community to see ourselves and our contributions reflected and included in every institution in the United States, especially the White House.” Herrera’s recognition symbolizes a step towards greater representation and recognition of diverse voices in the art world.
