Obamas on the Lookout for Art

Published: May 26, 2009

Robert Rauschenberg Edward Ruscha Jasper Johns Louise Nevelson Richard Diebenkorn Alma Woodsey Thomas Stunt at Sotheby’s Lands Tape Artist in Jail Dealer Holly Solomon’s Papers Headed to Smithsonian

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WASHINGTON, D.C.— The Obamas are revamping the White House art collection, and to make room for modern works by African-American, Asian, Hispanic, and female artists, they’ll be doing away with many of 19th-century still lifes, pastorals, and portraits that are currently on view.

The art world is paying close attention to the process, as the Obamas’ decisions could affect the markets for chosen works and artists. Last week the First Couple installed seven pieces on loan from the Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden in their private residence, including ones by African-American abstract artist Alma Thomas. The National Gallery of Art has also loaned the family works this year, by Jasper Johns, Richard Diebenkorn, and Edward Ruscha, as well as Robert Rauschenberg and Louise Nevelson.

Read more at The Wall Street Journal.

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