As American As Apple Pie, 2020

Amy Sherald: In this painting, I'm presenting a vibrant re-imagining of what it means to embody the quintessential American identity. Every detail in the painting is a deliberate nod to classic Americana. 

Yet beneath this carefully curated scene of traditional American symbolism lies a deeper conversation about identity, reframing the idea of the American dream to be more expansive, inclusive and reflective of the country's true history.

I met this couple on a weekend trip to Brooklyn to visit some friends. I had parked my car a couple of blocks away and had to walk back to my friend's house, and as I was walking past their house, there was this brown car in a front yard and a family sitting inside of the car. They were taking a look at the new interior that had just been installed and listening to music on the new speakers that he had just put in.

As soon as I saw them, I immediately knew that the scene was something that I wanted to capture and bring to life, so I shyly walked up. I asked them if they wouldn't mind participating, and they agreed. The car itself reminded me of my dad's Buick Skylark.

Some of the imagery in this painting, like the perfectly manicured shrubs, the white picket fence, the newly-paved streets remind me of my childhood. I think there's an aspect of biography in all of the paintings that I make.