I think the portraits celebrate their African heritage

[blaze]

and I think that's a wonderful thing.

[NCTraveler]

1. Please elaborate.

Specifically about MO.

[blaze]

2. Well, I'm not well versed in art, nor a lot of cultures

but when I saw these portraits, one of the things that I thought of was all the bright and vibrant clothing I frequently see in African culture. If this is way off the mark, I'm happy to delete my post.

[NCTraveler]

3. I think that is a pretty lose connection.

"one of the things that I thought of was all the bright and vibrant clothing"

Have you seen the paintings? While art is in the eye of the beholder, color is real and seen by most all.

[blaze]

5. see... this is why I don't start threads

I'm piss poor at expressing myself.

I meant vibrant colors i've seen in clothing and the vibrant colors i saw in these portraits.

i was trying to express a heartfelt response to the portraits. i like them a lot. i'm sorry i can't articulate it any better than that.

[NCTraveler]

8. I don't get the African heritage aspect at all.

You did not state why you felt that way in your op. I simply asked for an elaboration as there was none there. I did not mean to offend or upset. When I'm completely missing something and the author doesn't provide anything, I often ask for elaboration for educational purposes. I just don't see it. Who was MO's last line of family to be born in Africa? Her family history is diverse and impressive.

I don't see what I have done that has brought you to your "delete" comment.

[MineralMan]

9. I thought your interpretation of them was just fine.

I can see what you mean, too. Don't be disturbed by others' comments. You have a perfect right to interpret them as you see them.

[Tanuki]

10. Blaze, the colorful accent panels in the gown Michelle is wearing reminded me of

traditional African kente cloth. I don't know if she was posing in one of her own dresses or if the artist added that touch.

https://www.google.com/search?q=kente+cloth&client=ms-android-att-us&source=android-browser&prmd=isvn&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwjxs6TgiaHZAhUOP6wKHZ07DwAQ_AUICSgB

[LuckyCharms]

7. Don't delete. You expressed yourself fine.

And I agree. Art elicits a response based on our experiences, and you stated your response. Well done.

[Vinca]

4. There are many wonderful artists of African heritage.

The ones they used should give up doing portraits. I've got a wonderful pastel by Kamante Gatura, but I sure as heck wouldn't expect him to produce a presidential portrait.

[elleng]

6. 'Specifically, the former first lady is rendered in Sheralds trademark grayscale

— a charcoal color with taupe undertones — that doesn’t so much erase her subject’s race as declare its irrelevance.'

http://www.baltimoresun.com/entertainment/arts/bs-fe-obama-portrait-amy-sherald-20180208-story.html