Plan to revamp White House art collection will affect artist’s market values
The First Couple’s intention to revamp the White House art collection to include the bold abstract work of lesser-known African-American, Asian, Hispanic and female artists is sending ripples of joy through the art market, reports the Wall Street Journal. Like Michelle Obama’s clothing choices, the Obamas’ art selections telegraph a political message-signalling political inclusiveness and a defiant change from the staid 19th-century still lifes, pastorals and portraits that dominate the White House’s public rooms. Collectors predict that the choices will likely affect the artists’ market values-and raise their profiles. The changes in White House art come as the Obama administration seeks to boost arts funding; the president included $50 million in his economic stimulus package for the National Endowment for the Arts.