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Artist Amy Sherald cancels show at the Smithsonian

Amy Sherald has canceled her exhibition over concerns regarding a trans portrait's inclusion.

July 24, 2025 at 08:23 PM

Artist Amy Sherald has canceled her upcoming show at the Smithsonian

Artist Amy Sherald calls off her show due to concerns about a trans portrait's inclusion.

Amy Sherald cancels Smithsonian exhibition over portrait dispute

Artist Amy Sherald has decided to cancel her upcoming exhibition at the Smithsonian's National Portrait Gallery. The show, titled "American Sublime," was set to be the largest display of her work and was scheduled for five months, starting September 19. The cancellation follows a disagreement regarding her piece "Trans Forming Liberty, 2024," which depicts a trans woman. Sherald claimed that the National Portrait Gallery expressed concerns about including the painting in the exhibition. Instead of showing her work, the Smithsonian proposed a video discussing trans visibility, a decision Sherald rejected.

Key Takeaways

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Amy Sherald canceled her exhibition due to a dispute over a portrait of a trans woman.

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The Smithsonian suggested replacing the painting with a video discussing trans visibility.

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Sherald criticized the idea of replacing her artwork with a video narrative.

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The Smithsonian expressed disappointment over the exhibition's cancellation.

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This situation reflects the broader political climate affecting art institutions.

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Sherald's commitment to trans representation showcases the ongoing struggle for visibility in art.

"These concerns led to discussions about removing the work from the exhibition."

Sherald explains that worries over including her portrait prompted the cancellation.

"I was opposed to that being a part of the 'American Sublime' narrative."

Sherald clarifies her stance against replacing her piece with a video.

"The Smithsonian is disappointed the show has been cancelled."

Representatives from the Smithsonian express their regret over the situation.

"Institutional fear shaped by a broader climate of political hostility played a role."

Sherald points to external political pressures influencing institutional decisions.

This cancellation highlights growing tensions surrounding discussions of identity and representation within major cultural institutions. As institutions like the Smithsonian navigate political climates increasingly hostile toward marginalized communities, the decision to prioritize a video over Sherald's painting exemplifies the challenges faced by artists striving for visibility. Sherald's choice to withdraw emphasizes not only her commitment to the integrity of her work but also the broader implications for trans representation in art. In light of these developments, it is crucial to ask how cultural organizations can create inclusive environments while facing external pressures.

Highlights

Art should reflect all identities, not just some.
Representation is not negotiable in an inclusive narrative.
Without visibility, we erase entire communities.
Censorship in art is a loss for everyone.

Potential backlash over representation disputes in art

Sherald's cancellation raises concerns about how political influences affect artistic expression and representation, particularly relating to trans identities.

The impact of this decision may resonate beyond the gallery walls as artists confront similar pressures.

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amy sherald smithsonian trans representation portrait gallery politics art politics

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