Njideka Akunyili Crosby has reached another milestone in her acclaimed artistic career after being selected to create the official portrait of former United States President Barack Obama and former First Lady Michelle Obama for the Obama Presidential Center in Chicago.
The commission places the Nigerian-American artist at the centre of one of the most prestigious art projects associated with the upcoming presidential library and museum.
Obama Presidential Center Chooses Nigerian-Born Artist
The portrait forms part of a larger collection being assembled ahead of the official opening of the Obama Presidential Center.
Both Barack Obama and Michelle Obama publicly praised the artist’s work and commended the emotion and creativity she brought to the project.
Michelle Obama expressed admiration for the portrait and described Akunyili Crosby’s artistic brilliance as extraordinary.
“Barack and I were so honored to have @AkunyiliCrosby create our portrait for the Obama Presidential Center. Her artistic brilliance shines through — and the way she infused such life and joy into the piece is truly extraordinary. We love it, and we think everyone who visits the Center will too!” she said.
Barack Obama also celebrated the unveiling.
“It was great joining Njideka Akunyili Crosby — a gifted Nigerian-born, Los Angeles-based artist — to unveil our first portrait together. This piece reflects so many chapters of Michelle and my story, and we’re thrilled that it will be on display in the Hope and Change lobby at the Obama Presidential Center starting this Juneteenth,” he stated.
Daughter of Late Dora Akunyili
Njideka Akunyili Crosby is the daughter of the late Professor Dora Nkem Akunyili, one of Nigeria’s most respected public servants.
Dora Akunyili served as Director-General of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) between 2001 and 2008. She later became Minister of Information and earned global recognition for her fight against counterfeit drugs.
In 1999, Njideka and her mother won the United States Diversity Visa Lottery. The opportunity enabled her and her sister, Ijeoma, to relocate to America.
Before permanently settling in the United States, she returned to Nigeria to complete the National Youth Service Corps programme.
Journey Into Art
Njideka initially pursued studies outside the art world. However, her passion for creativity eventually changed her path.
She enrolled in an oil painting class at a community college in Philadelphia, where instructor Jeff Reed encouraged her to apply to Swarthmore College.
She gained admission and studied both biology and art.
Later, she earned a Master of Fine Arts degree from Yale University and began building a career that would establish her among the world’s leading contemporary artists.
She is married to Justin Crosby, a native of Texas.
International Recognition
Today, Njideka Akunyili Crosby ranks among the most celebrated artists of her generation.
Her works combine painting, collage, drawing and photo-transfer techniques to explore themes of identity, memory, family and cultural heritage.
Major institutions have acquired her pieces for their permanent collections.
These include the Museum of Modern Art in New York and the Whitney Museum of American Art.
Over the years, critics and collectors have praised her ability to merge African and Western influences into visually rich compositions.
Her art often reflects her experiences growing up in Nigeria and living in the United States.
Another Landmark Achievement
The Obama portrait commission represents another defining moment in Akunyili Crosby’s distinguished career.
It also highlights the increasing global influence of Nigerian creatives across the fields of art, literature and entertainment.
For many admirers, the achievement serves as a tribute to the legacy of excellence associated with the Akunyili family.
The selection of Njideka Akunyili Crosby to create the official portrait of Barack and Michelle Obama underscores her status as one of the world’s most accomplished contemporary artists. From her roots in Nigeria to international recognition, her journey reflects talent, perseverance and the growing impact of African creatives on the global stage.
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