washington ( ap ) — the national portrait gallery is unveiling portraits of former president barack obama and former first lady michelle obama .
 
 
obama also pointed out his personal connection to wiley -- both men shared similar
the former president chose kehinde 's heritage .
the juxtaposition of contemporary urban culture with centuries - old postures and wallpaper - like backgrounds make for bold paintings , of which obama in order to create the portrait , a process different than the typical " sittings " required for most portraits .
wiley 's background choice was also indicative of obama 's background .
for michelle obama 's portrait , the gallery commissioned baltimore - based artist amy sherald , first - prize winner of the portrait gallery 's 2016 outwin boochever portrait competition .
the former first couple 's official portraits were unveiled at the smithsonian 's national portrait gallery , a rite of passage for most former presidents , all of whom have their portraits hanging in the museum .