Nigerian-American artist Njideka Akunyili Crosby has been commissioned by former U.S. President Barack Obama and former First Lady Michelle Obama to create their official portrait for the Obama Presidential Center in Chicago. The artwork is among a series of major commissions being unveiled as part of the center’s opening celebrations.

Widely celebrated for her distinctive artistic style, Njideka Akunyili Crosby is known for blending painting, drawing, collage, and photo-transfer techniques to create richly layered scenes that explore identity, family, and everyday life. Her works are featured in some of the world’s leading museums, including the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) and the Whitney Museum of American Art. The commissioned portrait is expected to weave together archival imagery, family history, and cultural references that reflect the Obamas’ legacy and journey.