Amy Sherald Cancels Smithsonian Show Over Censorship of Trans Artwork
Amy Sherald canceled the National Portrait Gallery stop of her solo exhibition "American Sublime" in July after the Smithsonian Institution allegedly attempted to censor her painting of Black trans woman Arewà Basit as the Statue of Liberty. Lindsey Halligan, a special assistant to President Donald Trump, praised the cancellation, stating the Statue of Liberty is a sacred symbol of freedom and national unity, not a canvas for political expression. However, the article argues that national symbols are inherently abstract canvases for political ideals, and their meanings shift with political winds, contrary to Halligan's claim of stability.
Key facts
- Amy Sherald canceled the National Portrait Gallery stop of her solo exhibition 'American Sublime'.
- The cancellation was due to concerns that the Smithsonian Institution attempted to censor her painting of Arewà Basit.
- Arewà Basit is a Black trans woman depicted as the Statue of Liberty in Sherald's painting.
- Lindsey Halligan, a special assistant to President Donald Trump, responded with satisfaction to Sherald's decision.
- Halligan stated the Statue of Liberty is a revered symbol of freedom, inspiration, and national unity.
- The article contends that national symbols are abstract canvases for political expression.
- The meanings of symbols like the Statue of Liberty shift with political changes.
- The event occurred in July, as reported by the New York Times and Hyperallergic.
Entities
Artists
- Amy Sherald
- Arewà Basit
Institutions
- National Portrait Gallery
- Smithsonian Institution
- New York Times
- Hyperallergic
Locations
- United States