Through Elizabeth Peyton's Eyes
Thursday, November 6, 2008 at 7:39 PM 
Image used with kind permission from the New Museum
We first became aware of artist Elizabeth Peyton when we moved to New York City and visited the then recently re-opened MoMA. Immediately captivated by her small scale portraits, many of celebrities such as John Lennon and Chloe Sevigny, we couldn't help but feel excited when we heard the news of her latest subject. Yesterday, Elizabeth Peyton's Michelle and Sasha Obama Listening to Barack Obama at the Democratic National Convention August 2008 joined the retrospective of her work at the New Museum in New York City.
The painting was likely inspired by a photograph from August 28, 2008, the final night of the Democratic National Convention. Mrs. O was seated in the audience, wearing Thakoon's Radzimir Kimono dress, while her youngest daughter Sasha napped on her lap. Without question, Mrs. O will have tremendous cultural influence as first lady, and this early example sets the bar quite high. We find Elizabeth Peyton's painting to be a touching tribute to mother and daughter that equally projects Mrs. O's strong sense of self and easy sophistication. And if it wasn't already, it ensures the Thakoon frock will be forever etched in our memory.
A few choice excerpts from Senior Curator Laura Hoptmon's interview with the artist: On her choice of subjects: "There's a very specific kind of person that I'm making pictures of. It's who I'm very interested in and identifying with. And sort of see as ... very hopeful in the world. I see them as great role models." On her frequent use of celebrity:
"Celebrity in itself is not that interesting to me. But it is interesting what people do. I see it as such a positive thing to reach so many people. And that something very personal can communicate out and radiate in a general way." On the purpose of her portraits: "The point is to make a likeness, but also to make a piece of art. I want to make something magical ... that needs no explaining."
Live Forever: Elizabeth Peyton New Museum, New York City October 8, 2008 - January 11, 2009
Art
Reader Comments (5)
glad you posted about this. the exhibt is really amazing.
People are already painting her portrait for display in such prestigious museums? That's setting the bar high. But Mrs. O can handle it. The painting is such a great display of her strength as a person and her love as a mother.
I love this portrait of the future 1st lady and Sasha. I remain amazed by how the Obama's have inspired so much creativity.
I like to portrait of Mrs.O she is just watching her little one and being "Mama Obama" Please don't take this wrong. It takes a lot to be a mom for your little ones. I am proud of the 1st Lady.
I love it! I absolutely adore it! Elizabeth Peyton did a wonderful job on capturing Michelle and Sasha on canvas.