U.S.A’s former First Lady, Michelle Obama, has shared her excitement after viewing a newly commissioned joint portrait of herself and her husband, former President Barack Obama, created by Nigerian-born artist Njideka Akunyili Crosby, the daughter of late former NAFDAC Director-General Dora Akunyili.
The portrait, which will be displayed at the Obama Presidential Center’s Hope and Change Lobby, was unveiled to the couple during a private first look captured in a video shared by Michelle Obama on social media. The former First Lady expressed her admiration for the artwork, praising the artist for bringing “life and joy” into the piece.
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Expressing her appreciation, she wrote: “Barack and I were so honoured to have @NjidekaAkunyiliCrosby create our portrait for the Obama Presidential Centre. Her artistic brilliance shines through — and the way she infused such life and joy into the piece is truly extraordinary. We love it, and we think everyone who visits the Center will too!”
The large-scale portrait shows the Obamas seated together, with Barack leaning casually against a desk while Michelle sits prominently in the foreground. Crosby intentionally painted the couple larger than life, incorporating meaningful personal details that reflect their journey and legacy.
Among the symbolic elements featured in the painting are a volume of the Harvard Law Review, commemorating Barack’s historic tenure as the publication’s first Black president, and a copy of Stevie Wonder’s Talking Book, the first album Michelle Obama ever owned.
The portrait is one of 28 original art commissions that will be showcased at the Obama Presidential Centre, which is expected to open to the public soon. Michelle has previously spoken about her desire to collaborate with Crosby, making the commission a particularly meaningful addition to the centre’s collection.
