"In August the White House issued a statement proclaiming "President Trump is right about the Smithsonian", itemising cultural initiatives from the federally funded institution that have incurred his displeasure. Among these was a painting by the admired Black US artist Amy Sherald depicting a transgender person posing as the Statue of Liberty. Trans Forming Liberty (2024) was to be included in a solo exhibition of Sherald's work scheduled for the Smithsonian-run National Portrait Gallery in Washington, DC, in September."
"Explaining her decision in a letter to Lonnie G. Bunch III, the secretary of the Smithsonian, the artist said that she had believed the institution "shared a commitment to presenting work that reflects the full, complex truth of American life", but that she now felt "conditions no longer support the integrity of the work as conceived". The White House had already urged the Smithsonian to conduct a review of its materials,"
President Donald J. Trump has repeatedly used lists to press policy and cultural demands. The White House publicly criticized Smithsonian initiatives and highlighted a painting by Amy Sherald depicting a transgender person as the Statue of Liberty. Sherald withdrew her planned solo exhibition after learning the museum might remove that painting. The artist said she believed the institution had pledged to present the full, complex truth of American life but now felt conditions undermined the work's integrity. The White House urged a review and suggested "content corrections" to align with a vision of American exceptionalism, revealing cultural vulnerability under political pressure. Artists emphasized that artistic practice requires risk rather than being treated as luxury goods.
Read at The Art Newspaper - International art news and events
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