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Barack & Michelle Obama were back in the spotlight yesterday as their official portraits were unveiled at the Smithsonian’s National Portrait Gallery.
The former President was excited about African-American artist Kehinde Wiley‘s depiction of him.
“I tried to negotiate less gray hair, and Kehinde’s artistic integrity would not allow him to do what I asked. I tried to negotiate smaller ears, struck out on that as well,” joked Obama.
Mrs. Obama talked about the impact that her portrait will have on the girls of color.
“They will see an image of someone who looks like them hanging on the walls of this great American institution, and I know the kind of impact that will have on their lives because I was one of those girls,” she said.
Both portraits will be available for public viewing beginning today.
barack obama first lady of the united states flotus kehinde wiley michelle obama potus president of the united states smithsonian national portrait gallery
