Barack Obama Honors Nigerian-Born Artist Njideka Akunyili Crosby Over Portrait of Him and Michelle

Former United States President Barack Obama has taken to social media to honor Nigerian-born artist Njideka Akunyili Crosby following the unveiling of a portrait featuring him and his wife, Michelle Obama.

Sharing photos from the unveiling on X, Obama described Crosby as a gifted artist and praised her work for capturing important moments from their journey together.

According to him, the portrait reflects several chapters of his and Michelle’s life and will be displayed at the Obama Presidential Center.

He wrote:

“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 artwork is expected to become one of the featured displays at the Obama Presidential Center, offering visitors a visual representation of the former president and first lady’s shared journey over the years.

Njideka Akunyili Crosby, who was born in Nigeria and is based in Los Angeles, is internationally recognized for her distinctive artistic style and acclaimed works that often explore themes of identity, family, and culture.