Artist cancels Smithsonian show over censorship concerns

Artist Amy Sherald canceled her upcoming solo exhibition at the Smithsonian's National Portrait Gallery on Wednesday after learning the museum was considering removing her painting of a Black transgender woman depicted as the Statue of Liberty. The decision to withdraw "American Sublime," scheduled to open September 19, eliminates what would have been the first solo exhibition by a Black contemporary artist at the prestigious Washington institution.sfchronicle+2

Artist Cites Censorship Concerns

Sherald sent a letter to Smithsonian Secretary Lonnie G. Bunch III stating she "entered into this collaboration in good faith, believing that the institution shared a commitment to presenting work that reflects the full, complex truth of American life". However, she said "it has become clear that the conditions no longer support the integrity of the work as conceived".sfchronicle+1

The controversial painting, "Trans Forming Liberty" (2024), features non-binary trans-femme artist Arewà Basit posed as Lady Liberty, wearing a blue gown and holding a flower-filled torch. According to The New York Times, which first reported the story, Sherald was informed that "internal concerns had been raised" about including the work, leading to discussions about removing it from the exhibition.news.artnet+2

When the Smithsonian suggested replacing the painting with a video featuring public reactions to transgender issues, Sherald rejected the proposal. "The video would have opened up for debate the value of trans visibility and I was opposed to that being a part of the 'American Sublime' narrative," she told the Times.theartnewspaper+1

Political Pressure on Cultural Institutions

The controversy reflects broader tensions between the Trump administration and federally funded cultural institutions. Since returning to office in January, President Trump has signed executive orders targeting museums that allegedly promote "narratives that portray American and Western values as inherently harmful and oppressive". The National Portrait Gallery's director Kim Sajet resigned in June after Trump claimed he had fired her.news.artnet+1

The administration has also targeted transgender communities through executive orders recognizing only two sexes and restricting gender-affirming care.news.artnet

Exhibition's Journey

"American Sublime" debuted at the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art in November 2024 before moving to New York's Whitney Museum, where it runs through August 10. The survey features nearly 50 works spanning Sherald's career, including her iconic 2018 portrait of Michelle Obama and her 2020 painting of Breonna Taylor.sfchronicle+1

"At a time when transgender people are being legislated against, silenced, and endangered across our nation, silence is not an option," Sherald stated. "I stand by my work. I stand by my sitters. I stand by the truth that all people deserve to be seen—not only in life, but in art."theartnewspaper