Amy Sherald’s portraits are more than paintings—they’re windows into stories. Her grayscale subjects set against vibrant backdrops challenge us to see beyond the surface, to connect with humanity in every detail. Her coffee table book, The World We Make, captures that magic and expands it into a profound visual experience. Flipping through its pages feels like stepping into a gallery where every image feels alive, inviting you to stop, reflect, and engage with the emotion in every stroke.
Sherald’s use of color and contrast is not just aesthetic—it’s symbolic. The vibrant, colorful backgrounds are a deliberate departure from the muted tones of her subjects, creating a powerful visual tension. This combination doesn’t just draw your eye, but it asks you to reconsider how we see identity, presence, and individuality. By focusing on people—mostly African American individuals—Sherald celebrates them in their fullest expression, challenging the norms that often box people into categories based on skin color or social status. Her work redefines portraiture, creating portraits that feel modern, yet timeless.
The World We Make offers an intimate look at the artist’s creative process. It’s a testament to how deeply personal her artwork is, and how these portraits are shaped by Sherald’s own journey. Each portrait doesn’t just represent a figure on canvas; it’s a narrative—a connection between Sherald and the subject that transcends the act of painting. From her inspirations to the meticulous detail that defines her work, the pages of this book pull back the curtain, allowing us to see what makes Sherald’s portraits so striking and memorable.
If you’ve had the chance to experience Amy Sherald: American Sublime at the Whitney Museum, you know how her art commands a room. But if you haven’t, The World We Make is the perfect way to immerse yourself in her world. The book is filled with portraits that feel both deeply personal and widely relatable—images that transcend the boundaries of race, gender, and background, bringing out the universality of humanity. Sherald invites you to see, to feel, and to reflect on the human experience, reminding us of the shared connection we all have.
Let’s Chat:
What was the last piece of art that made you stop and think? How did it change the way you see the world? I’d love to hear how you’ve connected with art, whether in a gallery, a book, or in your own life. Let’s share our stories in the comments!
Personal Reflection:
For me, The World We Make is a reminder that art can be both deeply personal and universal. Sherald’s work bridges those spaces, inviting us to connect with her subjects while reflecting on our own perspectives. As I flipped through this book, I realized that her portraits make me stop and reflect not only on the people she captures but also on my own understanding of identity, race, and the way we see others. It’s a book that stays with you long after you’ve closed its cover, because it challenges you to continue the conversation it begins, long after the pages are turned.
Through her unique style, Sherald gives us portraits that go beyond just a representation—they’re powerful narratives of presence, visually challenging the viewer to confront their own assumptions and take a deeper look at what makes us who we are. It’s not just about the art on the wall or the page—it’s about the stories we have yet to tell and the ways we can all be seen and celebrated for our individuality.
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