Njideka Akunyili Crosby Unveils the Obamas’ First Official Joint Portrait—Their Reactions Say It All
Barack and Michelle Obama attended a special unveiling of their first official portrait together by Nigerian artist Njideka Akunyili Crosby. The couple gazed up at the large-scale collage, marveling at its depth and personal touches. Crosby layered historic and personal photographs into the background after months of studying the Obamas’ books, speeches and interviews. “Before we get any commentary in, we’ve just got to soak it in,” Barack Obama said as he admired the canvas. Michelle added, “It’s us…and all of the stories within the story.” With playful humour, the former president asked why his hair hadn’t been touched up and joked about commissioning a suit in the same pattern. By the end, both the Obamas and the artist shared a warm embrace and celebrated a new chapter for the Obama Presidential Center on Chicago’s South Side. Photo courtesy of the Obama Foundation
Stories are shared by community members. This article does not represent the official view of NaijaWorld — the author is solely responsible for its content.

