Obama Foundation unveils first official portrait of Barack and Michelle Obama

The Obama Foundation has unveiled the first official painted portrait of former US President Barack Obama and former First Lady Michelle Obama.

The portrait will serve as a centrepiece of the Obama Presidential Center Museum ahead of its grand opening celebrations this week.

Titled The Obamas Springing Forth (2026), the artwork was created by Nigerian artist Njideka Akunyili Crosby and revealed to the Obamas for the first time on Monday.

Based on an original photograph taken by Akunyili Crosby, the painting weaves together personal memories and historical references to tell the story of the Obamas' journey to the White House and their enduring legacy.

"The first official painted portrait of President and Mrs. Obama together, the work memorialises their journey to the White House while honouring their legacy for generations to come," the Obama Foundation said in a statement.

The portrait will be displayed in the museum's Hope and Change Lobby, a public space accessible without a ticket. It features nods to Michelle Obama's childhood home in Chicago, the Resolute Desk, family keepsakes, books, music, and artefacts from the Obama presidency.

Seeing the piece for the first time, the Obamas were visibly impressed, describing it as "beautiful" and "so pretty."

"It's us and all of the stories within the story," Michelle Obama said. "Oh my God, you got everything in there."

Barack Obama added a light-hearted remark after viewing the portrait.

"I have just one question. How come you didn't dye my hair in the photo?" he joked, prompting laughter from those in attendance. "Don't they usually touch that up a little bit?"

According to the foundation, the artwork incorporates archived moments, symbolic elements and historical references layered in, around and behind the central image.

"I wanted to make these decisions that tapped into those memories so when you saw this, it felt familiar," Akunyili Crosby told the Obamas.