National Portrait Gallery Reveals a Newly Commissioned Portrait of Oprah Winfrey by Chicago-Based Artist Shawn Michael Warren

 National Portrait Gallery Reveals a Newly Commissioned Portrait of Oprah Winfrey by Chicago-Based Artist Shawn Michael Warren

(Black PR Wire) Oprah Winfrey’s portrait is now on display at the Smithsonian’s National Portrait Gallery. Chicago-based artist Shawn Michael Warren painted Winfrey in a purple taffeta dress amidst a lush garden at her California home. The full-length portrait with the frame, approximately 6 feet 10 inches by 5 feet 8 inches, is commissioned for the museum’s permanent collection. It has been on view on the museum’s first floor beginning Dec. 13.

As a global media leader, philanthropist, producer, actor, author and entrepreneur, Winfrey has made significant contributions to American popular culture, which earned her a place in the National Portrait Gallery.

The painting was revealed in a ceremony the morning of Dec. 13 in the museum’s Robert and Arlene Kogod Courtyard. Speakers included Smithsonian Secretary Lonnie Bunch, National Portrait Gallery Director Kim Sajet, Winfrey and Warren. More luminaries from television, publishing, business, arts, culture and Hollywood were in attendance at the portrait reveal.

“Through her rise to fame as host and producer of The Oprah Winfrey Show, Oprah demonstrated an unparalleled ability to connect with people and inspire them to become the best versions of themselves,” Sajet said. “Her vision and spirit deserve recognition in the nation’s Portrait Gallery, and we are delighted to celebrate her with this commissioned portrait by Shawn Michael Warren, who has reflected her warmth and compassion in this painting.”

The commission for this new painting in oil on canvas was led by Rhea L. Combs, the museum’s director of curatorial affairs.

“Artist Shawn Michael Warren’s remarkable attention to detail and keen knowledge of color theory are fully represented in this vivid, large-scale portrait of Oprah Winfrey,” Combs said. “Warren’s approach to portraiture includes in-depth study and research, as well as shooting numerous photographs and making various sketches during his sittings. It is apparent that the level of care and keen observation that are a part of his artistic practice are on beautiful display here. As someone who grew up in Chicago watching and admiring Oprah on television, in this painting Warren has been able to deftly capture the wonderful spirit and engaging energy of Oprah Winfrey.”

The Smithsonian’s National Portrait Gallery tells the multifaceted story of the United States through the individuals who have shaped American culture. Spanning the visual arts, performing arts and new media, the Portrait Gallery portrays poets and presidents, visionaries and villains, actors and activists whose lives tell the nation’s story.

The National Portrait Gallery is located at Eighth and G streets N.W., Washington, D.C. Connect with the museum at npg.si.edu and on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and YouTube.

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