Visual journalism from The Associated Press, produced by AP photographers, video journalists and artists around the world.
www.linkin.bio Instagram.comFormer President Barack Obama and his wife Michelle returned to the White House on Wednesday for the unveiling of official portraits with a modern vibe.
“Barack and Michelle, welcome home,” President Joe Biden said before he invited the Obamas to the stage to unveil the portraits. Some in the audience gasped, others applauded.
“It’s great to be back,” Obama said when it was his turn to speak. He praised Biden — his vice president — as someone who became a “true partner and a true friend.”
The artist whom Barack Obama selected to paint his portrait says the “stripped down” style of his works help create an “encounter” between the person in the painting and the person looking at it.
Robert McCurdy likes to present his subjects without any facial expression and standing against a white background, which is how America’s 44th and first Black president is portrayed for posterity, in a black suit and gray tie. The former first lady chose artist Sharon Sprung for her portrait.
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#APPhotos by Andrew Harnik
