News Summary
The Baltimore Museum of Art will present ‘American Sublime,’ a retrospective of artist Amy Sherald, showcasing around 40 of her paintings from 2007 to 2024. Originally meant for the Smithsonian’s National Portrait Gallery, the exhibition was relocated due to censorship concerns related to Sherald’s work portraying a Black trans woman. The retrospective highlights Sherald’s significant ties to Baltimore and aims to celebrate African American experiences through her art. The exhibition runs from November 2, 2025, to April 5, 2026.
Baltimore – The Baltimore Museum of Art (BMA) will host a major retrospective of artist Amy Sherald titled “American Sublime,” from November 2, 2025, to April 5, 2026. This exhibition will be the most comprehensive display of Sherald’s work to date, featuring approximately 40 paintings created between 2007 and 2024. Originally scheduled for the Smithsonian’s National Portrait Gallery in Washington, D.C., the exhibition was transferred due to concerns over censorship related to one of her works, “Trans Forming Liberty.”
The decision to move the exhibition arises from significant controversy that occurred earlier this year. Sherald announced in July 2025 that she would withdraw her exhibition from the National Portrait Gallery, citing fears about censorship that were intensified by the current politically hostile climate towards trans lives. According to Sherald, the National Portrait Gallery had expressed concerns about displaying her painting “Trans Forming Liberty,” which depicts a Black trans woman posed in a manner reminiscent of the Statue of Liberty. Although the Smithsonian intended to address the concerns with an explanatory video rather than remove the piece entirely, Sherald decided to cancel the showing.
After Sherald’s announcement, the BMA reached out to her, expressing interest in presenting “American Sublime” in Baltimore, a city with which Sherald has strong ties. The artist earned her Master of Fine Arts degree from the Maryland Institute College of Art (MICA) and has established her artistic practice within the local community. The BMA’s director highlighted Sherald’s longstanding connection to Baltimore and the significance of the exhibition as a reunion with her local supporters.
The BMA exhibition will feature a range of Sherald’s works, including notable pieces such as her portrait of Michelle Obama and the memorial portrait of Breonna Taylor. In addition to the exhibition, the BMA will honor Sherald with an “Artist Who Inspires” award at its gala on November 22, 2025, recognizing her contributions to culture and the arts.
Ticket sales for “American Sublime” will commence on October 1, 2025, for BMA members and on October 8, 2025, for the general public. Ticket prices will be set at $18 for adults, with reduced rates for seniors, groups, and students. Select free admission dates will also be offered, ensuring accessibility to diverse audiences. A publication accompanying the exhibition will detail Sherald’s artistic journey and influences.
Prior to arriving in Baltimore, “American Sublime” was first showcased at the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art and later traveled to the Whitney Museum of American Art in New York. The exhibition seeks to celebrate the beauty and complexity of African American experiences, firmly rooting Sherald’s work within ongoing discussions of representation and identity in contemporary art.
The BMA’s commitment to showcasing Sherald’s work underscores the institution’s role in fostering artistic dialogue and community connection, especially in times of political and social upheaval. “American Sublime” promises to be a landmark exhibition, reflecting not only the artist’s personal narrative but also the broader cultural conversations surrounding race, identity, and representation today.
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HERE Resources
Amy Sherald’s Exhibition Moves to Baltimore Museum of Art
Additional Resources
- The Washington Post: Amy Sherald Exhibition
- Culture Type: Sherald Exhibition in Baltimore
- Baltimore Fishbowl: Sherald’s Art Move
- Baltimore Sun: Censored Painting View
- Essence: Amy Sherald at BMA
- Wikipedia: Amy Sherald
- Google Search: Amy Sherald
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Amy Sherald
Author: STAFF HERE BALTIMORE WRITER
BALTIMORE STAFF WRITER The BALTIMORE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBaltimore.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Baltimore, Baltimore County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Baltimore Book Festival, Preakness Stakes, and Artscape. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Baltimore Chamber of Commerce and Visit Baltimore, plus leading businesses in shipping and healthcare that power the local economy such as the Port of Baltimore and Johns Hopkins Medicine. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Maryland's dynamic landscape.
