Finding My Vibe: Amy Sherald and the Art of Light and Shadow
Philadelphia Museum of Art 2025
Beyond Beauty: Reflecting on Amy Sherald's Portraits
As a professional makeup artist, I'm constantly seeking inspiration to push my creative boundaries and take my work to the next level. Recently, I had the privilege of experiencing the "Black Figure" exhibition in the Philadelphia Museum of Art, before our shoot and the work of Amy Sherald absolutely captivated me.
Sherald's unique style, known for its striking use of black and white, immediately resonated with my own artistic vision. I've always been drawn to creating looks that mimic the effect of Photoshop, manipulating light and shadow to sculpt the face and play with dimension. Sherald's masterful use of these elements, particularly in her portraits, deeply inspired me.
Her portraits aren't simply renderings of people; they are powerful statements that explore identity and representation. The way she uses black as a vibrant color, a luminous hue that reflects the complexities of Black life, is truly revolutionary. Just as Sherald paints light and dark on the face, I, as a makeup artist, sculpt and define features, using highlights and shadows to tell a story on the canvas of the face. This approach aligns perfectly with my desire to use makeup to not just enhance beauty, but to tell stories and express individuality.
Click here to relive this moment.
xx Remi O.