The Smithsonian’s National Portrait Gallery has unveiled a newly commissioned portrait of Oprah Winfrey, painted by Chicago–based artist Shawn Michael Warren. The painting features Winfrey in a purple taffeta dress against the backdrop of her California garden. Measuring approximately 7-by-5.5 feet, the full-length oil on linen portrait was presented in a ceremony on December 13th in the museum’s Robert and Arlene Kogod Courtyard.
“Artist Shawn Michael Warren’s remarkable attention to detail and keen knowledge of color theory are fully represented in this vivid, large-scale portrait of Oprah Winfrey,” said Rhea L. Combs, the museum’s director of curatorial affairs.
Born in 1987, Warren is known for his thorough approach to portraiture, represented most notably by his 2015 painting In A Promised Land. The artist first painted Winfrey’s likeness in a 2020 mural located in Chicago’s West Loop, painted together with artists Jane Barthes, Anna Murphy, and Kalan Strauss. In recent years, the artist has painted murals in Los Angeles, Indianapolis, and all across Chicago.
“Warren’s approach to portraiture includes in-depth study and research, as well as shooting numerous photographs and making various sketches during his sittings,” Combs added. “It is apparent that the level of care and keen observation that are a part of his artistic practice are on beautiful display here. As someone who grew up in Chicago watching and admiring Oprah on television, in this painting Warren has been able to deftly capture the wonderful spirit and engaging energy of Oprah Winfrey.”
Winfrey's influential role as a media leader, philanthropist, producer, actor, author, and entrepreneur has earned her a prestigious spot in the National Portrait Gallery. “Through her rise to fame as host and producer of The Oprah Winfrey Show, Oprah demonstrated an unparalleled ability to connect with people and inspire them to become the best versions of themselves,” remarked National Portrait Gallery director Kim Sajet.
