A United States-based Nigerian artist, Njideka Akunyili Crosby, has designed a portrait of Barrack Obama and his wife, Michelle Obama, for the former US President’s centre.
Njideka presented the portrait to the couple at the Obama Presidential Centre with Michelle lauding artist for the masterpiece.
As captured in a post shared on Monday by the former US first lady, Njideka unveiled the artwork before the Obamas who were visibly elated to see themselves on the life-size canvas.
Michelle expressed her admiration for the details in the piece which was created with collage pictures of the couple from their childhood to adulthood.
“It’s us! And all the stories within the story. Euclid! Oh my God, you got everything in there!” Michelle said.
Obama, in his remark, jokingly asked why his hair was white in all the pictures.
“My only real question is, how come you didn’t dye my hair in the photo?
“Don’t they usually touch it up a little bit?” Obama asked.
Njideka, in response, claimed to have initially considered adding frames from a younger Obama as she explained the sequence of the artwork.
“I did the drawing first of the two of you. We read all your books. We listened to all the interviews you have all done, podcasts and videos. My whole studio got to know you.
“I wanted to make this decision that tapped into those memories. So, when you saw this, it felt familiar.” The artist explained.
Njideka however described the artwork as a challenging task which took her out of her comfort zone.
“It was good. It was so challenging because it made me to push myself. It took me out of my comfort zone.” She said.
Obama commended the artist for the piece while disclosing that he will make a suit from the collage pictures.
“It is beautiful. In fact, I’m going to have a suit made with this pattern.” He said.
Michelle, on the other hand, embraced Njideka as she disclosed how long she has been waiting for the artist to make a portrait of her and the former US President.