‘Andy Warhol in Iran' searches for drama in a quirk of history
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New York Times
8 hours ago
- New York Times
Amy Sherald Cancels Her Smithsonian Show, Citing Censorship
Amy Sherald — the artist who rocketed to fame with her 2018 portrait of Michelle Obama — has withdrawn her upcoming solo show from the Smithsonian's National Portrait Gallery because she said she had been told the museum was considering removing her painting depicting a transgender Statue of Liberty to avoid provoking President Trump. 'American Sublime,' set to arrive at the museum in September, is a much heralded exhibition of works by Ms. Sherald and would have been the first by a Black contemporary artist at the Portrait Gallery. She is particularly known for her sensitive, serene portraits, which led to her selection by Ms. Obama. Some of her work, such as her transgender Statue of Liberty, has also been fueled by social concerns. 'I entered into this collaboration in good faith, believing that the institution shared a commitment to presenting work that reflects the full, complex truth of American life,' the artist said in a letter sent on Wednesday to Lonnie G. Bunch III, the secretary of the Smithsonian, which runs the Portrait Gallery. 'Unfortunately, it has become clear that the conditions no longer support the integrity of the work as conceived.'' Ms. Sherald in a statement said she had been 'informed that internal concerns had been raised' at the Portrait Gallery regarding the inclusion of her painting, 'Trans Forming Liberty,' which features a transgender woman holding a torch in the posture of the Statue of Liberty. 'These concerns led to discussions about removing the work from the exhibition,' her statement said. 'It's clear that institutional fear shaped by a broader climate of political hostility toward trans lives played a role.' Want all of The Times? Subscribe.
CBS News
11 hours ago
- CBS News
"Cardboard Genius" Kambel Smith creating a new sculpture in Philadelphia's Fairmount Park
Kambel Smith's nickname should ring a bell: The Cardboard Genius. He's the local artist who creates cardboard sculptures of famous landmarks just by looking at pictures of them. Now, he's bringing his talent to Smith Memorial Playground and Playhouse in East Fairmount Park. Smith will create a new sculpture at Smith Memorial on Thursday as part of its Boxopolis program. Visitors are encouraged to watch Kambel work and get in on the action by making their own creations out of cardboard boxes. "I like to be focused," Kambel says while working on his latest project. "And I like to be patient." It's a scene his neighbors know well, as Kambel quietly and painstakingly creates in his front yard. "Trying to make sure the details are tight," he adds. Those who don't know him often stop to marvel, learning his sculptures are made mostly from cardboard and completely through sight alone. Kambel wrapped up his latest exhibit in Germantown in June. The display was aptly dubbed "Cardboard Genius." While his genius is clear now, Kambel's father Lonnie says Kambel's talent was hidden at first. Kambel was diagnosed with autism as a child. Once he found art, Lonnie says his son's autism became a superpower. "Unknowingly, what he's done here, though, it's powerful," Lonnie says. Kambel's journey has become an inspiration nationwide. His story on CBS News Philadelphia was viewed more than a million times on social media, and tens of thousands are showing their admiration and support, including Philly's own Questlove and former Eagle Terrell Owens. "When he hears that people are interested in his projects, it just motivates him to move faster," Lonnie says. One of his next creations is the Marcy Houses, the place where Jay-Z grew up in Brooklyn. Lonnie says Roc Nation recently reached out to show Kambel support, and that inspired the artist. Lonnie is never far from Kambel's side. Many online are also praising Lonnie for creating a safe space for his son to thrive. "It's not a big deal," Lonnie says, laughing. "It's just what I do because I love him." Kambel will take part in Smith Memorial's Boxopolis Playstallation on Thursday, July 24. Smith Memorial Playground and Playhouse is open from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. Kambel will start creating his piece at 1:30 p.m. It's free and open to the public. Smith's Boxopolis Playstallation runs through September.
News24
14 hours ago
- News24
EFF drops gospel artist Betusile Mcinga from 12th anniversary lineup over ANC ties
Artists who reveal their party allegiances are learning that mixing art with politics can damage their careers and income. Renowned gospel artist Betusile Mcinga was booked as part of the artists that will be performing at the EFF's 12th anniversary celebration to be held in Khayelitsha Rugby Stadium, Cape Town, on Saturday, July 26, 2025. Read more | Judgment reserved in Julius Malema firearm cas However, EFF supporters known as 'ground forces' used social media to pressure the EFF to drop him as an act. They demanded that the party leader remove him from the lineup and find a replacement who is genuinely committed to the EFF. The reason for Mcinga's removal stems from his public support for the African National Congress (ANC), a political party that often finds itself at odds with the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF). They argued that as affiliates of the EFF, they contribute financially to the organisation and therefore have a right to dictate how their money is spent and supporting a 'card-carrying member of the ANC' is a slap to the face to them, and they felt that their values and interests were being compromised. Julius Malema responded to the calls and removed Mcinga from the lineup, and a new and final poster for the event was released with Mcinga removed from the lineup. Bethusile took to social media to address the concerns from people, stating that people should focus on celebrating the milestone that the party has reached and not the negativity, as he didn't take any offence at his removal from the event. 'Don't make the event about me. It's about celebrating EFF, so I think let's focus on that, not me. Even if I'm there or not doesn't change anything about the 12th anniversary,' he posted.
