Amy Sherald, the renowned painter known for her striking portraits, has made the difficult decision to withdraw her upcoming exhibition at the Smithsonian Institution’s National Portrait Gallery in Washington, DC. The artist cited concerns over censorship as the reason for her withdrawal. This decision came after learning that the museum was considering removing her portrait of a transgender Statue of Liberty in response to anti-trans mandates from President Donald Trump.
In a letter to Smithsonian Secretary Lonnie G. Bunch III, Sherald expressed her disappointment in the institution’s lack of support for presenting work that reflects the full truth of American life. She stated, “I entered into this collaboration in good faith, believing that the institution shared a commitment to presenting work that reflects the full, complex truth of American life.” However, she felt that the conditions no longer supported the integrity of her work as conceived.
The Smithsonian spokesperson acknowledged the artist’s decision to withdraw her show, titled “American Sublime,” stating that they could not come to an agreement with Sherald. Despite the disappointment of not being able to showcase Sherald’s work, the institution expressed deep appreciation for her and the integrity of her art.
Sherald explained to the New York Times that she decided to withdraw her show after being informed of internal concerns regarding her painting “Trans Forming Liberty,” which features a pink-haired transgender woman holding a torch of flowers. The museum had suggested replacing the painting with a video of people discussing transgender issues, an idea that Sherald rejected as it could potentially give a platform to anti-trans views.
President Trump’s ongoing attacks on trans and gender non-conforming communities have had a significant impact on Sherald’s decision. His executive orders mandating restrictive definitions of gender and limiting access to gender-affirming care for trans youth have created a hostile environment for marginalized communities.
In light of Trump’s executive order targeting the Smithsonian’s representation of gender identities, Sherald’s decision to withdraw her exhibition reflects a broader struggle against censorship and discrimination. Despite this setback, Sherald’s powerful and thought-provoking works continue to challenge societal norms and advocate for inclusivity and representation in the art world.
As Sherald navigates this challenging situation, the fate of her exhibition “American Sublime” remains uncertain. It is unclear whether the show will find an alternative venue following its current run at the Whitney Museum of American Art. However, Sherald’s bold statements and unwavering commitment to artistic integrity ensure that her work will continue to spark important conversations and inspire change in the art world and beyond.
