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Amy Sherald Cancels Smithsonian Exhibition Over Censorship

exhibition · 2026-04-24

Amy Sherald has decided to pull out of her exhibition at the National Portrait Gallery in Washington, D.C., due to worries about censorship. This exhibition was set to be the third venue for her traveling show 'American Sublime', which first launched at SFMOMA in November 2024. Concerns arose regarding her artwork 'Trans Forming Liberty' (2024), which portrays a trans woman as the Statue of Liberty, leading to discussions about its potential removal amid fears of political backlash against trans individuals. Smithsonian Secretary Lonnie G. Bunch III proposed substituting it with a video addressing transgender topics, a suggestion Sherald declined. The Smithsonian is under scrutiny following the Executive Order issued on 27 March targeting 'corrosive' ideologies. 'Trans Forming Liberty' remains on display at the Whitney Museum of American Art until 10 August.

Key facts

  • Amy Sherald cancelled her exhibition at the National Portrait Gallery over censorship concerns.
  • The exhibition was the third leg of her touring show 'American Sublime', which opened at SFMOMA in November 2024.
  • Sherald said there were discussions about removing her painting 'Trans Forming Liberty' (2024) from the show.
  • She cited 'institutional fear shaped by a broader climate of political hostility towards trans lives'.
  • Smithsonian Secretary Lonnie G. Bunch III suggested replacing the painting with a video about transgender issues.
  • A Smithsonian spokesperson said the video was meant to accompany, not replace, the work.
  • The Smithsonian has been a target of the Trump administration since the 27 March Executive Order.
  • Kim Sajet resigned as director of the National Portrait Gallery in June after Trump attempted to fire her.
  • 'Trans Forming Liberty' is currently on view at the Whitney Museum through 10 August.

Entities

Artists

  • Amy Sherald

Institutions

  • National Portrait Gallery
  • SFMOMA
  • Smithsonian Institution
  • Whitney Museum of American Art

Locations

  • Washington, D.C.
  • United States
  • New York

Sources