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3d ago

Amy Sherald Cancels Smithsonian Exhibition After Talks to Remove Trans Painting

Sherald cited internal talks about removing her Statue of Liberty–inspired portrait of a Black transgender woman as proof of institutional fear under federal directives.

Amy Sherald, Trans Forming Liberty, 2024. Oil on linen, 123 × 76 1/2 × 2 1/2in. (312.4 × 194.3 × 6.35 cm).
“Trans Forming Liberty,” along with some 50 works in total, is currently on view at the Whitney.
Image

Overview

  • Sherald withdrew her September 2025 show “American Sublime” from the National Portrait Gallery after being informed her painting “Trans Forming Liberty” faced potential removal.
  • “Trans Forming Liberty,” a monumental work depicting a Black transgender woman as the Statue of Liberty, became the focal point of internal Smithsonian concerns tied to President Trump’s executive order on “divisive” exhibits.
  • The artist rejected a Smithsonian proposal to replace her painting with a video discussion on transgender issues over worries it would invite debate about trans visibility.
  • “American Sublime” would have marked the gallery’s first solo presentation by a living Black contemporary artist after runs at SFMOMA and the Whitney Museum.
  • The Smithsonian expressed disappointment at Sherald’s withdrawal and said it will continue reviewing exhibition content under ongoing federal oversight.