Amy Sherald
Amy Sherald, born in 1973, is an American portrait artist who gained widespread recognition for her distinctive painting style characterized by grayscale subjects set against vibrant, colorful backgrounds. Her ability to depict African Americans in ways that transcend conventional narratives has made her an influential figure in contemporary art. Most notably, Sherald was selected to paint the official portrait of former First Lady Michelle Obama, which was unveiled at the Smithsonian's National Portrait Gallery in 2018.