Acclaimed artist and Columbus native Amy Sherald has withdrawn her upcoming solo art show from the Smithsonian’s National Portrait Gallery, citing concerns of censorship.
Sherald, known for her 2018 portrait of Michelle Obama, was set to become the first contemporary Black artist to have an exhibition in the gallery, according to the New York Times.
Sherald wrote in a statement sent Thursday to the Ledger-Enquirer that internal concerns were raised over her painting, “Trans Forming Liberty,” which depicts a transgender woman as the Statue of Liberty.
“These concerns led to discussions about removing the work from the exhibition,” Sherald said. “While no single person is to blame, it’s clear that institutional fear shaped by a broader climate of political hostility toward trans lives played a role.”
Sherald also emphasized in her statement that she “stands by her work” and that she feels “silence is not an option.”
“This painting exists to hold space for someone whose humanity has been politicized and disregarded,” Sherald said in the statement. “I cannot in good conscience comply with a culture of censorship, especially when it targets vulnerable communities.”
Acclaimed artist and Columbus native Amy Sherald has withdrawn her upcoming solo art show from the Smithsonian’s National Portrait Gallery, citing concerns of censorship. Sherald issued this statement to the Ledger-Enquirer on July 24, 2025.
Smithsonian spokesperson Phil Zimmerman issued a statement to the L-E that expressed disappointment about Sherald’s cancellation.
“The Smithsonian strives to foster a greater and shared understanding,” Zimmerman said in the statement. “By presenting and contextualizing art, the Smithsonian aims to inspire, challenge and impact audiences in meaningful and thoughtful ways. Unfortunately, we could not come to an agreement with the artist. We remain appreciative and inspired by Ms. Sherald, her artwork and commitment to portraiture.”
The Smithsonian has been under scrutiny by the Trump administration. In March, President Donald Trump signed an executive order titled “Restoring Truth and Sanity to American History” which was created to eliminate “divisive race-centered ideology.” In May, Trump attempted to fire National Portrait Gallery director Kim Sajet due to her being “highly partisan and a strong supporter of DEI” on Truth Social. Sajet resigned two weeks later.
Acclaimed artist and Columbus native Amy Sherald, shown in 2020, has withdrawn her upcoming solo art show from the Smithsonian’s National Portrait Gallery, citing concerns of censorship.
Marianne Richter, director of the Columbus Museum, emailed a statement to the L-E, expressing support for Sherald’s decision.
“Amy Sherald is a world-renowned artist who is an important part of Columbus’s artistic story, and we are proud to celebrate her and her work,” Richter said. “American Sublime is her first major museum retrospective, and it is her decision as to where and when her work is exhibited.”
