Podcast Summary: All Of It with Alison Stewart – Episode: Local Art Alert: Amy Sherald

Host and Context All Of It, a cultural exploration podcast by WNYC hosted by Alison Stewart, delves into the rich tapestry of New York City's art scene. In this episode, released on July 3, 2025, Alison celebrates the culmination of WNYC’s “100 Pieces of Art” series by engaging in an in-depth conversation with acclaimed portrait artist Amy Sherald about her exhibition, American Sublime, currently on view at the Whitney Museum until August 10.

Celebrating New York City’s Art Scene

Alison Stewart opens the episode by highlighting WNYC’s year-long endeavor to compile a “100 Pieces of Art” list, curated by ten art experts, featuring prominent institutions like the Brooklyn Museum, Queens Museum, MoMA, the Met, and the Guggenheim, alongside lesser-known galleries. She encourages listeners to explore these artworks and participate by sharing their experiences on social media.

“[...] we hope, need, and want the WNYC community to be a part of our show. As we build a community around ALL OF IT, we know that every guest and listener has an opinion.” (00:35)

Introduction to Amy Sherald and American Sublime

Alison introduces Amy Sherald, whose body of work includes vibrant portraits that challenge and redefine American identity. She describes some standout pieces, such as a black man perched on an iron beam and a first lady posed like Rodin’s The Thinker, setting the stage for a deeper discussion about Sherald’s artistic journey and her latest exhibition.

The Artistic Journey of Amy Sherald

Early Inspirations and Realizations

Amy Sherald shares her early engagement with art, sparked not by museum visits but through encyclopedias, which provided her first introduction to artists like Michelangelo and Leonardo da Vinci.

“[...] I didn't go to a museum for the first time until the sixth grade. So I was really just looking at books at home.” (05:05)

Her passion for art solidified during her private Catholic school years under a long-term art teacher's mentorship and later in college, where under Dr. Arturo Lindsay’s guidance, she began to view her ideas as meaningful contributions to the world.

Transition to Professional Artistry

Sherald discusses the pivotal moment when she decided to pursue art professionally, despite her middle-class upbringing and parental concerns about financial stability.

“I just knew I had to follow my heart.” (08:09)

She recounts how meeting a fellow artist who encouraged her to utilize her talent affirmed her decision to switch her major to art without her parents' initial approval.

American Sublime at the Whitney Museum

Exhibition Overview

Amy elaborates on American Sublime, a collection that reflects her evolution as an artist over two decades. The show is organized chronologically and features a variety of her works, including both her signature vibrant backgrounds and her earlier, more subdued Grisaille technique.

“Americans, like who gets to be American [...] This painting is exactly that.” (17:58)

Highlighted Pieces

1. Hangman (2007)

   • An early work characterized by its process-driven approach, Sherald reflects on the challenges and introspections it prompted during a period of personal responsibility and family care.

   “You have to make, you have to fail fast, right? You have to make a lot of bad paintings before you make a good painting.” (11:49)

2. American, American Apple Pie (2020)

   • Inspired by a real couple from Brooklyn, this large-scale painting deconstructs traditional American tropes, embodying a modern narrative of American identity.

   “[...] swapping out these iconic kind of tropes that come into play when you think about what Americanism is and what it looks like.” (17:58)

3. If You Could Surrender to the Air, You Could Write It (2019)

   • This piece draws from Toni Morrison’s Beloved, featuring a black man on a suspended beam, evoking historical violence while recontextualizing it within contemporary conversations on race and identity.

   “[...] race is important, but it doesn't need to be the most important thing about the work.” (16:05)

4. Michelle Lavaugh

   • A portrait of Michelle Obama, Sherald conveys the former First Lady’s authenticity and strength, capturing her as a beacon of hope and self-acceptance.

   “I see a woman who brought so much hope and gave all of us permission to be ourselves because she lives in her full, authentic self.” (22:48)

Artistic Techniques and Evolution

Sherald discusses her transition from Grisaille to vibrant backgrounds, influenced by mentors like Grace Hartigan, and her exploration of color and form to engage viewers beyond discussions of race.

“I wanted to be a part of a greater conversation of American painters and not be pushed in a corner.” (16:05)

She explains how her techniques, such as starting with the eyes to anchor the portrait’s emotional depth, contribute to the universal appeal of her work.

“I feel like I have to finish the whole face first before I proceed to clothes or anything like that.” (24:26)

Personal Trials and Artistic Resilience

Heart Transplant and Its Impact

Amy shares a deeply personal narrative about receiving a heart transplant at 39, an experience that underscores her resilience and dedication to her art.

“When the moment came [...] I was so satisfied with my life.” (26:03)

She reflects on how this life-altering event reinforced her commitment to authenticity and the universal themes in her work, emphasizing the spiritual journey it entailed.

Overcoming Doubt and Sustaining Creativity

Despite moments of self-doubt, especially during challenging periods of waiting tables while peers advanced in their careers, Sherald remained steadfast in her artistic vision.

“I had a deep knowing that this was gonna work out if I just kept going.” (09:07)

Closing Reflections

Alison and Amy conclude the interview by highlighting the universal and personal dimensions of Sherald’s art. Sherald emphasizes the importance of creating space for authentic narratives within the broader American cultural landscape.

“I wanted to find out who Amy Sherald really was. Like, who are you outside of all these constructs that we're born into?” (26:03)

Alison wraps up by inviting listeners to visit the Whitney Museum and explore the diverse pieces showcased in American Sublime, encouraging continued engagement with New York City’s vibrant art community.

Conclusion

This episode of All Of It offers a profound exploration of Amy Sherald’s artistic journey, her contributions to American portraiture, and the deeply personal experiences that shape her work. Sherald’s dedication to authenticity and her innovative techniques provide listeners with a comprehensive understanding of her impact on the cultural landscape.

For more insights and to view highlights from the episode, visit WNYC’s Instagram @instagramofnyc.