Amy Sherald Smithsonian Show Cancellation: The True Story

Amy Sherald Smithsonian show cancellation sends shockwaves. Discover why her exhibit was pulled and the bold stand for artistic freedom.

BY KAZEEMADELEKE, ARTCENTRON

WASHINGTON D.C. – In a significant event that continues to shock the art world, renowned American portrait artist Amy Sherald has officially canceled her highly anticipated solo exhibition, “American Sublime,” at the Smithsonian’s National Portrait Gallery (NPG). The Smithsonian show cancellation stems directly from a controversy surrounding the artist’s powerful painting, Trans Forming Liberty (2024), which reimagines the Statue of Liberty as a Black transgender woman. Sherald maintains the museum proposed removing the piece, leading to her complete withdrawal. This bold decision by Sherald has ignited a critical conversation about artistic freedom, institutional autonomy, and the escalating political pressures on cultural institutions. The Amy Sherald Smithsonian show cancellation is a crucial reminder of the delicate balance between artistic expression and external influence.

The Provocation: Trans Forming Liberty

The painting at the heart of this dispute, Trans Forming Liberty (2024), offers a reinterpretation of a national symbol. It features a poised Black trans woman, adorned with a red wig and a flowing blue dress, holding a torch brimming with vibrant flowers. Sherald’s signature vivid pink hue saturates the background, making the subject powerfully stand out. This artwork transcends traditional iconography, instead championing transgender visibility and Black identity.

Sherald revealed that the NPG expressed significant reservations about the painting’s inclusion. She stated that these internal discussions were shaped by a pervasive and growing national hostility toward transgender lives and rights. The artist emphasized her firm belief that institutional fear, rather than artistic merit, dictated the museum’s stance. This perceived pressure directly set the stage for the ultimate show cancellation.

Smithsonian’s Counterproposal: A Video, Not the Vision

In an attempt to resolve the issue, Smithsonian Secretary Lonnie G. Bunch III reportedly suggested replacing Trans Forming Liberty with a video. This proposed video would feature public reactions and conversations surrounding transgender issues. Sherald unequivocally rejected this proposal.

She explained that such a video would, in essence, subject trans identity to public debate and scrutiny, a narrative she vehemently refused to allow within the exhibition. Sherald firmly declared, “When I understood a video would replace the painting, I decided to cancel.” She affirmed, “The value of trans visibility is not up for debate.” Her refusal to compromise on this core principle led directly to her cancellation of the Smithsonian show.

Politics of Amy Sherald Smithsonian Show Cancellation

Sherald’s withdrawal underscores broader anxieties about censorship and political interference in the arts, particularly within federally funded institutions. The Smithsonian Institution, despite its independent charter, receives approximately two-thirds of its substantial annual budget from the federal government. This financial reliance makes it uniquely vulnerable to political pressures and scrutiny from the executive branch.

Since President Donald Trump’s return to office, his administration has issued over 140 executive orders. Several have directly targeted diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs, art institutions, and LGBTQ+ visibility. Notably, a sweeping order in March demanded museums eliminate “divisive or anti-American ideology.” This directive has created a palpable chilling effect across cultural institutions nationwide.

The pressure has manifested in visible consequences. In June, Kim Sajet, the NPG director, resigned. Reports indicate her resignation followed direct criticism from the president regarding her past support for DEI initiatives. This climate of political intervention directly contributed to the circumstances that culminated in the Amy Sherald Smithsonian show cancellation.

Widespread Backlash and Support for Sherald’s Stand

Sherald emphasized that her decision to cancel was not made lightly. In her official letter to Secretary Bunch, she wrote, “I entered into this collaboration in good faith.” She believed the institution would uphold her artistic message and vision. However, when the integrity of her work faced a direct threat, she chose to prioritize her artistic principles above exhibition space.

The Smithsonian expressed regret regarding the Amy Sherald Smithsonian show cancellation. In a statement, the museum acknowledged her decision while emphasizing its commitment to “thoughtful and inclusive dialogue.” The statement added, “We remain appreciative and inspired by Ms. Sherald and her commitment to portraiture.”

Art Institutions Rally Behind Sherald’s Vision

Both the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SFMOMA) and the Whitney Museum of American Art—where “American Sublime” debuted—have publicly voiced their strong support for Sherald’s decision. The exhibition, featuring more than 50 of Sherald’s evocative works, remains on display at the Whitney through August 10, 2025.

Christopher Bedford, director of SFMOMA, stated, “Amy Sherald is one of the most important portraitists today. We stand by her vision and her decision.” The Whitney Museum echoed this support, commending her portraits as “a powerful expression of shared humanity” and an expansive vision of interiority. Their steadfast support highlights the broader artistic community’s stance on the Smithsonian show cancellation.

Amy Sherald: A Legacy Forged in Bold Truths

Amy Sherald rose to national prominence after painting the official portrait of former First Lady Michelle Obama in 2018. This iconic work significantly boosted the National Portrait Gallery’s attendance and solidified Sherald’s position as an important contemporary artist. Her distinctive style, characterized by grayscale skin tones and vibrant backdrops, challenges traditional portraiture and emphasizes the interior lives of her subjects.

Her work has since become a powerful vehicle for social commentary and representation. In 2020, she painted a poignant portrait of Breonna Taylor, a work that subsequently graced the cover of Vanity Fair. Sherald’s artistry is renowned for capturing the multifaceted emotional layers of Black American life—its beauty, resilience, challenges, and strength. Her subjects often embody ideas and narratives she seeks to explore, fostering a more inclusive vision of American identity. The Amy Sherald Smithsonian show cancellation adds another layer to her legacy as an artist who refuses to compromise.

“American Sublime” would have marked the first solo show by a contemporary Black artist at the National Portrait Gallery. Its abrupt cancellation underscores how political agendas can potentially suppress critical conversations and diverse narratives within American art institutions.

The Broader Implications of the “American Sublime” Cancellation

This controversy raises serious concerns about the freedom of artistic expression in federally funded institutions across the United States. As the cultural and political climate continues to shift, artists like Sherald face difficult choices between maintaining artistic integrity and compromising for institutional visibility. Her resolute decision sends a clear message: art must speak truth, confronting societal realities and challenges, rather than bending to political fear or censorship. The Amy Sherald Smithsonian show cancellation is a crucial moment, intensifying the ongoing struggle for artistic autonomy and inclusive representation within the nation’s cultural landscape.