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Art at the White House

With the help of museum curators, first lady Michelle Obama has chosen 45 pieces of art to grace the walls of the White House private residence and offices.

The pieces chosen for the White House are "not a survey of American or European art but concentrate mainly on artists who are well known and mainstream," writes Jacqueline Trescott. Among the chosen works are four pieces by 20th-century African American artist William H. Johnson. His painting "Children Dance" was chosen for the private residence.

The pieces chosen for the White House are "not a survey of American or European art but concentrate mainly on artists who are well known and mainstream," writes Jacqueline Trescott. Among the chosen works are four pieces by 20th-century African American artist William H. Johnson. His painting "Children Dance" was chosen for the private residence.

Courtesy SAAM

There are two sculptures of dancers by Edgar Degas in the mix, including "The Bow" from the Hirshhorn's permanent collection.

There are two sculptures of dancers by Edgar Degas in the mix, including "The Bow" from the Hirshhorn's permanent collection.

Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden

The first lady and curators chose two works by Alma Thomas, a beloved African American artist, who lived in Washington. This selection, "Watusi (Hard Edge)," from 1963 now hangs in the East Wing.

The first lady and curators chose two works by Alma Thomas, a beloved African American artist, who lived in Washington. This selection, "Watusi (Hard Edge)," from 1963 now hangs in the East Wing.

Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden

Jeri Redcorn's "Intertwining Scrolls" is one of several pieces of Native American pottery chosen by the first family.

Jeri Redcorn's "Intertwining Scrolls" is one of several pieces of Native American pottery chosen by the first family.

Ernest Amoroso-Courtesy NMAI

Another chosen piece by William H. Johnson is "Flower to Teacher" from around 1944.

Another chosen piece by William H. Johnson is "Flower to Teacher" from around 1944.

Courtesy SAAM

There are three works on the list by artist Josef Albers. One is "Homage to the Square: Elected II" from 1961. The piece is on loan from the Hirshhorn's permanent collection.

There are three works on the list by artist Josef Albers. One is "Homage to the Square: Elected II" from 1961. The piece is on loan from the Hirshhorn's permanent collection.

Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden

The second chosen work by Alma Thomas -- the abstract "Sky Light" from 1973 -- is on loan from the Hirshhorn and now hangs in the private residence.

The second chosen work by Alma Thomas -- the abstract "Sky Light" from 1973 -- is on loan from the Hirshhorn and now hangs in the private residence.

Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden

Maria Poveka Martinez's San Ildefonso Pueblo jar from around 1959 is on loan to the Obamas from the National Museum of the American Indian.

Maria Poveka Martinez's San Ildefonso Pueblo jar from around 1959 is on loan to the Obamas from the National Museum of the American Indian.

Walter Larrimore-Courtesy NMAI

William H. Johnson's "Folk Family" from around 1944 was chosen for the private residence.

William H. Johnson's "Folk Family" from around 1944 was chosen for the private residence.

Courtesy SAAM

Glenn Ligon's "Black Like Me #2" from 1992 was one of the edgier selections. The piece contains the repeated phrase "All traces of the Griffin I had been were wiped from existence," which is a selection from John Howard Griffin's 1961 book for which he dressed up as an African American and reported on the racism he encountered.

Glenn Ligon's "Black Like Me #2" from 1992 was one of the edgier selections. The piece contains the repeated phrase "All traces of the Griffin I had been were wiped from existence," which is a selection from John Howard Griffin's 1961 book for which he dressed up as an African American and reported on the racism he encountered.

Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden

Another work of Native American pottery, this jar was selected for the Oval Office.

Another work of Native American pottery, this jar was selected for the Oval Office.

Courtesy NMAI

William H. Johnson's painting "Booker T. Washington Legend" shows the historical figure, who was born into slavery, in his role as a teacher. The work is on loan from the American Art Museum.

William H. Johnson's painting "Booker T. Washington Legend" shows the historical figure, who was born into slavery, in his role as a teacher. The work is on loan from the American Art Museum.

Courtesy SAAM

Gallery Credits:
Producer Stephen Cook Text Editor Stephanie Merry

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This Story 1600 Penn And Ink Article \| Any decent art historian would tell you that politics lurk just beneath the surface of most art, waiting to pounce on unsuspecting owners and viewers. Tuesday, the White House released a list of works it has borrowed for its walls, and most must have seemed tame when they were chosen. Those works... THE WHITE HOUSE INVENTORY DISCUSSION: Weigh in on White House Picks and Other Local Art Art at the White House		Network News X Profile View More Activity TOOLBOX E-Mail This Reprints		More on washingtonpost.com • More Photo News » washingtonpost.com
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