NEW YORK— Now that the Obamas have settled into the White House, the First Family is focusing on what art to hang on the walls, a thrilling and anxiety-producing prospect for collectors, curators, and artists. What pieces Barack and Michelle decide on has wide-ranging implications about what art and artists should be on the public's radar, and could affect what those artists' work is worth. While the couple can hang anything they want in their residence and offices, pieces hung in public places must be approved by the Committee for the Preservation of the White House, which consists of the White House curator and advisory board.

The decision is a tough one, so we thought we’d give the Obamas a hand. We asked 21 of our favorite artists, dealers, curators, and bloggers to tell us what pieces they think should grace the White House walls.

Click on the photo gallery at left for images and excerpts from our interviews, or continue reading below.

Doreen Remen, co-founder, Art Production Fund, and Casey Fremont, director

“Untitled (1991) by Barbara Kruger because she is an incredibly strong female artist. Here she presents important questions to think about daily.

“Lawdy Mama (1969) by Barkley Hendricks — a constant reminder of the individual in all of her idiosyncrasies.

“A Particular Kind of Heaven (1983) by Ed Ruscha. This work is peaceful and poetic.”
Shepard Fairey, street artist, designed Barack Obama “Hope” poster

“One of the Jasper Johns American flag paintings, ideally the one in the green tones. Jasper Johns is now accepted as an important Pop artist, but his American flag works were seen by some as irreverent at the time they first were created. I think hanging a Johns flag painting would be a great way for Obama to symbolize the diverse interpretations of what it means to be American, and the green flag could additionally represent the need for the U.S. to become greener.

“Barbara Kruger’s We Don’t Need Another Hero would be a great reminder that macho imperialism masked as heroic world police action is not part of the Obama administration’s approach to foreign policy. Kruger began in, and fully understands, magazine design and advertising, which she utilizes in her art by subverting the propaganda of American stereotypes.”

Andres Serrano, photographer

“If I had my choice, I would want the first family to have the following four works of mine: America: Firefighters John L. Thomasian and Darrel Dunbar; Nomads: Rene; and Black Supper. ‘America’ is a project I embarked upon a few days after Sept. 11. It was my contribution to the war effort as an artist. I felt the need to respond and define who and what America is.

“The project took me three years to complete and consists of 116 portraits. Among the first ones I did were those of firefighters John L. Thomasian and Darrell Dunbar. Although I took their somber demeanor to mean they were saddened by the tragic loss of their brethren, someone told me they looked tired, and it made sense. They had been working endlessly for weeks, and it shows.

“Rene is from my series ‘Nomads,’ which consists of portraits of homeless people I took in 1992. Black Supper is a five-piece work of Leonardo da Vinci’s Last Supper immersed in water. It is the largest work I’ve ever done, and there’s one in the Israel Museum in Jerusalem. It is one of a very few images of Jesus acquired by the Israel Museum, Andy Warhol’s Last Supper being another.”
Agnes Gund, president emerita, Museum of Modern Art, New York

“Elizabeth Murray captures the American spirit: Her works have an optimistic, playful feel but are powerful and smart. They are uplifting and full of joy and life. She is also a great choice because her works are accessible even to those with a limited knowledge of the art world. I suggest The Sun & the Moon.

“One of Susan Rothenberg’s horses would be ideal for the White House art collection, because they are incredibly dynamic and interesting and evoke feelings of the American West. I X I (1976–77) is a good example.