Barack and Michelle Obama’s stunning first joint portrait unveiled ahead of presidential center opening

The Obama Foundation on Monday reportedly unveiled the first official portrait of former President Barack Obama and former First Lady Michelle Obama together.

The 43-year-old internationally acclaimed artist Njideka Akunyili Crosby bound together a collection of family albums and landmark snapshots captured by the media to create the portrait. 

The artwork was incredibly designed by the media using acrylic paint, colored pencils, and transfers on paper to create the massive 9-by-10-foot piece. 

The portrait includes symbols and historic references such as Obama’s childhood home on Euclid Avenue, with her father’s beloved 1970 bronze-ELectra 225, and the carved relief pattern of the Resolute Desk in the Oval Office.

On social platform X, President Barack Obama said in a post: “It was great joining Njideka Akunyili Crosby — a gifted Nigerian-born, Los Angeles-based artist — to unveil our first portrait together. This piece reflects so many chapters of Michelle and my story, and we’re thrilled that it will be on display in the Hope and Change lobby at the Obama Presidential Center starting this Juneteenth.”

The post sparked a wave of intriguing reactions with one user writing: “I love this and you will always be my favorite President and Michelle, and I am looking forward to coming back to Chicago to visit the Obama Center when I come back home.”

The second user said: “This piece reflects so many chapters of Michael and my story, and we’re thrilled it’ll be on display in the Cope and Change lobby at the Obama Presidential Center starting this Juneteenth.”

A third admirer said: “This is beautiful. I love seeing Nigerian excellence celebrated. Congratulations to Njideka Akunyili Crosby, this is a remarkable honor.”

Visitors of the Obama Presidential Center will be able to see the incredible painting which will be hung in the museum’s Hope and Change lobby. Community celebrations are in full swing across the campus as part of the grand opening.