Hello readers! Last week 2020 brought us more natural disasters, unrest, and loss. Among it all though, there were glimmers of beauty, hope, and strength. I've selected one Music, Arts & Culture highlight from the week of August 23rd- a very important one; the Vanity Fair portrait of Breonna Taylor by Amy Sherald.
Portrait of Breonna Taylor, Amy Sherald
Amy Sherald is an American painter who is known for her portrait of former First Lady Michelle Obama for the National Portrait Gallery. She was commissioned to paint a portrait of Breonna Taylor, a young frontline worker who was tragically killed by police in Louisville, Kentucky back in March, for the September 2020 issue of Vanity Fair. Breonna's name has been spoken globally at protests, marches, political events, and across social media for months.
Sherald took great care with this portrait, painting Breonna in a beautiful aquamarine dress that her family could've pictured her wearing and placing a ring on her left hand. It was symbolic of the marriage proposal Breonna's boyfriend was planning that never came to fruition. In conversation with Vanity Fair Sherald says, "I wanted this image to stand as a piece of inspiration to keep fighting for justice for her."
The September 2020 issue of Vanity Fair, featuring Amy Sherald's portrait of Breonna Taylor, is available now. The link to Sherald's full conversation with Vanity Fair is provided below.
Photo Courtesy of Vanity Fair
Stay safe and healthy out there everyone. Here's hoping to a brighter week ahead for us all. Check back here on Thursday when I'll be posting the first Mac Claire "Greetings From..." story. Happy September and talk to you soon!
Amy Sherald's Conversation with Vanity Fair: https://www.vanityfair.com/culture/2020/08/amy-sherald-on-making-breonna-taylors-cover-portrait
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