Obamas unveil new portrait by Nigerian artist Njideka Akunyili Crosby at presidential center

Barack and Michelle Obama couldn't hide their excitement when they saw their new portrait at the Obama Presidential Center in Chicago. The artwork, created by Nigerian visual artist Njideka Akunyili Crosby, was unveiled to the former president and first lady on Tuesday.

"It's us, and all of the stories within the story… Oh my god, you got everything in there," Michelle said as she took in the piece. Crosby worked with the Obamas over several months to bring the portrait to life, using her signature layered composition style. She transferred images chronicling the couple's lives onto the canvas, then combined them with painted depictions of Barack and Michelle.

The process involved deep research. "We read all your books, we listened to all the interviews you all have done, podcasts and videos, my whole studio got to know you," Crosby told the Obamas during their visit. "I wanted to make these decisions that tapped into those memories, so when you saw this, it felt familiar."

Michelle said she'd long wanted a Crosby piece. "You know how long I've been wanting this woman to do something with and for me," she said. Barack, with his trademark humour, joked, "I'm gonna have a suit made with this."

Crosby, born in Enugu, Nigeria, and based in Los Angeles, is known for her intimate, collage-like paintings that explore identity, culture, and family. Her work has been exhibited globally, including at the Whitney Museum and the Venice Biennale. This portrait will hang permanently at the Obama Presidential Center, which opened last year on Chicago's South Side.

"Barack and I were so honoured to have Njideka Akunyili Crosby create our portrait for the Obama Presidential Center. Her artistic brilliance shines through — and the way she infused such life and joy into the piece is truly extraordinary." — Michelle Obama, via Facebook

Barack asked Crosby about her creative sequence. "So I did the drawing first of the two of you," she explained. When Michelle asked if anything surprised her about the process, Crosby said it "took me out of my comfort zone" and pushed her as an artist.

The Obamas' reaction was genuine and warm. "We love it, and we think everyone who visits the Center will too!" Michelle wrote. The portrait adds to the center's collection of works by contemporary artists, including pieces by Kerry James Marshall and Amy Sherald.