Obama Unveils Official Presidential Portrait by Kehinde Wiley

Last fall, it was announced that Barack Obama had selected Kehinde Wiley to paint his official presidential portrait, to be displayed in the Smithsonian’s National Portrait Gallery in Washington, D.C. Wiley’s previous subjects have included music figures such as the Notorious B.I.G., LL Cool J, Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five, Michael Jackson, and more. Earlier today, Wiley’s portrait of the 44th President of the United States was officially unveiled during a ceremony attended by Barack and Michelle Obama, held at the National Portrait Gallery.

“I tried to negotiate less gray hair and Kehinde's artistic integrity would not allow (him) to do what I asked,” Obama joked. “I tried to negotiate smaller ears. Struck out on that as well.” The official portrait of Michelle Obama was also revealed, painted by Amy Sherald. Find those below, and also watch video from the unveiling ceremony.