Njideka Akunyili Crosby to Create Obama Portrait

Njideka Akunyili Crosby, a Nigerian-born artist, has been commissioned by the Obama Foundation to produce a site-specific work for the Obama Presidential Center in Chicago, which is set to open on June 19. This commission includes a portrait of former U.S.

President Barack Obama and former First Lady Michelle Obama, prominently displayed in the museum's main lobby. Akunyili Crosby, who was born in Enugu and moved to the U.S. at 16, has gained international acclaim, particularly after her artwork sold for nearly $3.4 million in 2018.

Her career has been marked by significant achievements, including being named among Financial Times' Women of the Year in 2016 and receiving the MacArthur Fellowship in 2017. The portrait reflects her ability to weave personal, political, and cultural narratives, capturing the warmth and humanity of the Obamas.

This commission represents a pivotal moment in her career, bridging her Nigerian roots with her artistic journey in America.