Amy Sherald canceled the final leg of her touring exhibition, American Sublime, due to suggested censorship regarding a portrait of a non-binary transgender person. This decision was influenced by concerns of aligning with political pressures against trans identities. The portrait aims to honor and represent marginalized communities. Sherald's work envisions American ideals while portraying Black individuals with vulnerability. The sitter, Arewà Basit, expresses feeling empowered by the depiction and emphasizes the importance of pride despite societal pressure against it.
This painting exists to hold space for someone whose humanity has been politicised and discarded. I cannot in good conscience comply with a culture of censorship, especially when it targets vulnerable communities.
When looking at the portrait, I truly see myself, which is remarkable, feeling a sense of full pride and acceptance of oneself.
There are some moments where I think the world tries to tell us that being proud is a negative thing, because of legislation, or the administration or other social systems.
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