It seemed only fitting that Oprah Winfrey chose to wear a flowing, full-length purple dress for her portrait unveiled Wednesday at the Smithsonian’s National Portrait Gallery. She told the assembled crowd that she wore purple not because a musical remake of the movie that launched her career is coming out later this month: “I chose to wear the color purple because for me, that color has been seminal in my life.”
Quick Read
- Oprah’s Portrait Unveiling: Oprah Winfrey’s portrait was unveiled at the Smithsonian’s National Portrait Gallery, adding to the museum’s collection of influential figures.
- Significance of Purple: Oprah chose to wear a full-length purple dress for the event, signifying the importance of the color in her life, especially relating to her role in the 1985 film “The Color Purple”.
- Artist Behind the Portrait: The portrait was created by Chicago artist Shawn Michael Warren. Winfrey praised the artwork as “spectacular” upon seeing it for the first time.
- Portrait’s Setting: The painting depicts Oprah Winfrey against the backdrop of a prayer garden at her home in California, holding a sprig from an olive tree.
- Warren’s Statement: The artist, Shawn Michael Warren, noted the significance of being chosen for this project, highlighting Winfrey’s influence and her connection to Chicago.
- Winfrey’s Career and Impact: Oprah’s role in “The Color Purple” is recognized as a foundation for her future success, including her long-running talk show, “The Oprah Winfrey Show”, and her influential book club.
- Presidential Medal of Freedom: In 2013, Oprah Winfrey received the Presidential Medal of Freedom, acknowledging her contributions.
- Museum’s Recognition: The National Portrait Gallery acknowledged Oprah’s substantial contributions to popular culture and philanthropy as reasons for her inclusion in the museum.
- Portrait Display: The nearly 7-foot-tall portrait will be displayed on the first floor of the gallery.
- Promotion of New Film: Oprah took the opportunity to promote the upcoming musical remake of “The Color Purple”, set to release on Christmas Day, a project in which she is involved as a producer.
The Associated Press has the story:
Oprah Winfrey portrait, featuring Purple color, unveiled at National Portrait Gallery
Newslooks- WASHINGTON (AP)
It seemed only fitting that Oprah Winfrey chose to wear a flowing, full-length purple dress for her portrait unveiled Wednesday at the Smithsonian’s National Portrait Gallery.
She told the assembled crowd that she wore purple not because a musical remake of the movie that launched her career is coming out later this month:
“I chose to wear the color purple because for me, that color has been seminal in my life.”
Oprah Winfrey said about her portrait
As she pulled a curtain and saw the portrait by Chicago artist Shawn Michael Warren for the first time, Winfrey exclaimed: “Spectacular. Great job.”
The painting shows Winfrey against the backdrop of a prayer garden at her home in California. She is holding a sprig from an olive tree.
Warren said he had asked Winfrey to consider how she wanted to be depicted for the generations to come.
“You could have chosen anyone, but you saw fit that an artist from the place you called home during your rise to prominence should be given this honor,” he said.
“The Color Purple” served as a foundation for her future. She hosted “The Oprah Winfrey Show” for more than 25 years. “Oprah’s Book Club” helped make her recommended titles bestsellers.
Winfrey said her role in Steven Spielberg’s 1985 film .
She received the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2013.
The National Portrait Gallery said in a statement that her contributions to popular culture and her philanthropy earned her a place at the museum.
“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,” said Kim Sajet, the gallery’s director.
The portrait is nearly 7 feet tall. It will be on display on the gallery’s first floor.
During her remarks, Winfrey put in a plug for “The Color Purple” movie coming out on Christmas Day. She is a producer of the film.
Get your tickets now, she said.
