Painting

March 5, 2025

Artist Paints Evocative Portraits That Celebrate African Heritage, Identity, and Resilience [Interview]

When compared to other art forms, portraiture is arguably one of the most intimate. It requires a level of understanding, trust, and reciprocity between an artist and their subject, one that, under a skilled hand, is often reflected in a completed composition. This exchange is what Osimeh Godstand seeks throughout his own practice. Upon a first glance, it’s clear that Godstand’s paintings exist, first and foremost, for the sake of their subjects.

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February 21, 2025

Amy Sherald’s Powerful Portraits Take Over the Whitney Museum

Acclaimed portrait artist Amy Sherald, widely known for her oil portraits of Michelle Obama and Breonna Taylor, is holding her first major museum survey at the Whitney Museum of American Art. Opening in April, the survey includes around 50 paintings that demonstrate her early work as well as the striking portraits of Black Americans that have become her calling card. American Sublime firmly positions Sherald as one of America's most significant contemporary artists.

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February 18, 2025

Ethereal Paintings of Women Explore What It Means To Be Human and Connected to Nature [Interview]

When considering the portrait’s place in art history, most would consider it within the purview of the Old Masters. Artist Alexandra Manukyan is reimagining this narrative, resurrecting classical techniques through contemporary frameworks. Born in Armenia and now based in Los Angeles, Manukyan primarily paints portraits of women, rendered with a vivid color palette and rich textures. Manukyan’s style is certainly inspired by classical portraiture, but not without a twist.

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February 10, 2025

Radiant Paintings Explore Tender Moments of Humanity and Love With Animal Companions

To achieve depth and dimension, an artist must harness light. Nadine Tralala accomplishes just that, painting canvases so luminous they almost function as lightning rods. Based in Germany, Tralala favors ethereality throughout her practice. Her vivid paintings teem with bold colors and figures whose skin practically radiates, resulting in delicate surfaces. “I’m drawn to figures that are somewhat realistic but still have an ethereal, almost otherworldly quality,” Tralala tells My Modern Met.

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My Modern Met

Celebrating creativity and promoting a positive culture by spotlighting the best sides of humanity—from the lighthearted and fun to the thought-provoking and enlightening.